Easy One-Pot Mac and Chorizo Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Easy One-Pot Mac and Chorizo Dinner combines spicy chorizo with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting meal that’s quick to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses just one pot to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) chorizo sausage, casing removed and sliced or crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups macaroni pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Step 3: Pour in the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir well, then season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, then serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
• Substitute sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor.
• Use smoked sausage instead of chorizo for a different smoky taste.
• Add a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers in step 3 for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, small pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chorizo adds a mild to moderate spice, but you can reduce heat by using a milder sausage or omit smoked paprika if desired.

Easy One-Pot Mac and Chorizo Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

This Easy One-Pot Mac and Chorizo Dinner is a quick and flavorful meal combining spicy chorizo, tender macaroni, and creamy cheddar cheese in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish features sautéed chorizo and aromatics simmered with pasta, chicken broth, and milk, then finished with melted sharp cheddar for a rich, cheesy experience.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dish

• 8 oz (225g) chorizo sausage, casing removed and sliced or crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups macaroni pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chorizo: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced or crumbled chorizo. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns brown and releases its tasty oils. This will generously flavor the dish!
2. Add the Aromatics: Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and cook it for about 3 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt!
3. Combine the Ingredients: Pour in the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir everything together well, and don’t forget to season it with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Mix in the Cheese: After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. It should look deliciously cheesy!
6. Taste and Adjust: Give your mac and chorizo a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This is the time to make it just right for you!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish your creamy mac and chorizo with some chopped fresh parsley or chives if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy goodness!

Notes

• Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
• You can substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the smoked paprika.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Keywords: one-pot mac and chorizo, easy mac and cheese, chorizo pasta, stovetop mac and cheese, quick dinner recipes