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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this One Pot Mac & Chorizo, I use simple and flavorful ingredients. The elbow macaroni gives the dish its classic pasta base. Chorizo sausage adds a spicy kick and a rich taste. I choose chicken broth as it enhances the flavors and keeps everything moist. Next, I add a finely chopped onion and minced garlic. They create a great aroma and depth. The cheeses, cheddar and mozzarella, make the dish creamy and gooey. The smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth. The black pepper and salt round out the flavors perfectly. The olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, bringing out their best. Lastly, I garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a key role, making this dish a favorite for weeknight meals. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 4-5 minutes. - Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of crumbled chorizo sausage. Cook until the chorizo browns, about 6-7 minutes. - Now, stir in 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well with the chorizo and onions. - Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring it to a boil. - Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes. The pasta should be al dente when done. - After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until they melt and make the dish creamy. - Taste your dish. Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. To ensure the pasta cooks evenly, use a large pot. This gives enough room for the macaroni to move around. Stir the pasta often in the broth. This prevents it from sticking together. Keep an eye on the heat too. A gentle simmer is best for even cooking. For perfectly melting cheese, add it at the end. When the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat. Then, stir in the cheddar and mozzarella. This keeps the cheese creamy and smooth. If you want a bit of a stretch, let it sit for a minute before serving. You can add extra spices for more flavor. Try chili powder or cumin for a kick. If you like it spicy, mix in some diced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil work great too. They add a fresh taste that brightens the dish. For garnishing, fresh parsley adds color and taste. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top. A few extra pieces of chorizo give a nice touch. These little details make your meal look and taste gourmet. For the best results, use a large pot or Dutch oven. A heavy pot helps distribute heat evenly. This means your pasta cooks better. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. It won't scratch your pot and is easy to handle. Having a lid handy is key too. It helps keep the steam in while cooking. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with different meats. Instead of chorizo, try chicken or turkey sausage. These options still give you great flavor but are lighter. You can also boost nutrition by adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They add color and taste, making your meal even better. Need gluten-free options? Use gluten-free pasta. It works just as well in this recipe. For those who avoid dairy, there are many dairy-free cheese options. Look for brands that melt well, so you get that creamy texture. You can give this dish a fun twist with regional spices. Add a pinch of cumin for a Mexican vibe or some Italian herbs for a different flavor. You can also swap in different cheeses. Try pepper jack for some spice or gouda for a smoky touch. These little changes can make the dish feel fresh and new! To keep your One Pot Mac & Chorizo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. This prevents moisture build-up that can lead to sogginess. Place the container in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy your leftovers within three days for optimal taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the dish completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the pasta will expand. Label the containers with the date. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. In the fridge, your One Pot Mac & Chorizo stays fresh for about three days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. After this time, the flavors may fade. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or unusual colors, before eating. Enjoy your delicious creation safely! Yes, you can use other pasta types! Here are some great options: - Penne - Fusilli - Shells - Rotini These shapes work well with the chorizo and cheese sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. To know when your pasta is done, look for these signs: - It should be al dente, which means tender but still firm. - Taste a piece; it should have a slight bite without being hard. - Check the texture; it should not be mushy. Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it as it simmers. Here are some tasty sides to serve with your meal: - A fresh green salad with vinaigrette. - Garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for color. These options will round out your meal and add flavor! You now have a clear guide to make a tasty one-pot mac and chorizo meal. Start by gathering your main ingredients like elbow macaroni, chorizo, and cheese. Follow the preparation and cooking steps to ensure your dish is creamy and flavorful. Remember to consider variations and storage tips to enjoy it later. With these insights, you can impress anyone at your dinner table with this simple yet delicious recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One Pot Mac & Chorizo!

Dive into the delicious world of chorizo recipes dinner with this mouthwatering One Pot Chorizo Mac & Cheese! This easy recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with savory chorizo, creamy cheeses, and bold spices for a dish that's perfect for any weeknight meal. Save this recipe for a comforting dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore more amazing chorizo recipes dinner and elevate your culinary skills! #ChorizoRecipes #DinnerIdeas #OnePotMeals #EasyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and chorizo to the pot. Cook until the chorizo is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

      Stir in the elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well with the chorizo and onions.

        Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced.

          Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.

              Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                Prep Time 10 min | Total Time 30 min | Servings 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of additional cheese on top and a few extra pieces of chorizo for a gourmet touch.