Chorizo Basil Wheat Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   8 min hands-on

   • Slice the chorizo or break it into small chunks.
   • Dice the yellow peppers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
   • Peel and finely mince the garlic.
   • Wash and roughly chop the basil, reserving some whole leaves for garnish.

2. Cook Pasta

   3 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the pasta until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes.
   • Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

3. Brown Chorizo

   6 min hands-on

   • Heat half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the chorizo from the pan, leaving the rendered fat.

4. Sauté Vegetables

   10 min hands-on

   • Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan.
   • Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the diced yellow peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
   • Stir in the tomatoes and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they release their juices.

5. Season Sauce

   1 min hands-on

   • Add red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to the pan.
   • Return the cooked chorizo to the pan and toss to combine.

6. Deglaze with Vinegar

   2 min hands-on

   • Pour in the vinegar and stir, scraping up any browned bits.
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the vinegar blend into the sauce.

7. Combine with Pasta

   3 min hands-on

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water.
   • Toss over low heat until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
   • Add more pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.

8. Finish with Herbs

   2 min hands-on

   • Stir in the chopped basil and cook for an additional minute.

9. Plate and Garnish

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide the pasta among plates.
   • Top with grated Parmesan and whole basil leaves for garnish.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For a bolder flavor, allow the chorizo to sear without stirring for the first minute to develop a deeper, caramelized crust.
   • To enhance the silky texture of the sauce, add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta.
   • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Add more if you love heat, or reduce for a milder dish.
   • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the dish's creaminess.