Creamy Chorizo and Mushroom Tortellini
Indulge in this delightful twist on the classic Boscaiola pasta dish, featuring rich, creamy sauce infused with the smoky flavor of chorizo sausage and the earthiness of button mushrooms. This versatile recipe can easily accommodate your pantry staples, as it allows for substitutions like tortellini instead of traditional pasta, ensuring a satisfying meal every time. With the added freshness of peas and aromatic garlic, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for pasta lovers looking for something quick yet delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tortellini
500 g (any kind, cooked according to package instructions)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Chorizo sausage
100 g (thinly sliced)
Button mushrooms
200 g (sliced)
Cream
625 ml (heavy or double cream)
Scallions
2 (sliced)
Fresh peas
100 g (lightly steamed)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Cook the tortellini in a large saucepan of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pan, keeping warm.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo sausage and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
3
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and the mixture is golden brown.
4
Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Stir in 125 ml of cream and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful bits. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6
Pour in the remaining cream, increase the heat, and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7
Just before serving, fold in the lightly steamed fresh peas and sliced scallions. Combine well.
8
Pour the rich sauce over the cooked tortellini and toss gently to blend everything together.
9
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chorizo and Mushroom Tortellini?
It is a rich and flavorful twist on the classic Boscaiola pasta dish, featuring a creamy sauce, smoky chorizo sausage, and earthy button mushrooms.
What kind of tortellini should I use for this recipe?
You can use any kind of tortellini you prefer, as long as it is cooked according to the package instructions until al dente.
How much tortellini is required?
This recipe requires 500 g of tortellini.
What is the best way to prepare the chorizo?
The chorizo should be thinly sliced and sautéed in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown.
How long should I cook the mushrooms?
Add the sliced button mushrooms to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are softened and golden brown.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, which should be minced before being added to the pan.
What type of cream is best for the sauce?
You should use heavy or double cream for the richest texture; the total amount needed is 625 ml.
Why is the cream added in two stages?
The first 125 ml of cream is used to deglaze the pan and release flavorful bits, while the remaining cream builds the bulk of the sauce.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has simmered and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use peas as long as they are lightly steamed before being folded into the sauce just before serving.
What is the role of scallions in this dish?
Two sliced scallions are added near the end of cooking to provide a mild onion flavor and fresh texture.
How should I serve this pasta?
Serve the dish hot, with the sauce tossed gently through the tortellini and garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed as a quick yet delicious option for pasta lovers, utilizing simple techniques like sautéing and simmering.
Can I substitute the chorizo with something else?
While chorizo provides a unique smoky flavor, you could substitute it with another spicy sausage or even pancetta if necessary.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends 200 g of button mushrooms for their earthy flavor and texture.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, boiling the tortellini in salted water is essential for properly seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is recommended for sautéing the chorizo and mushrooms.
How much fresh parsley is needed for the garnish?
The recipe suggests using one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley as a garnish.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant color and flavor, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though it will be less aromatic.
What does 'al dente' mean for the tortellini?
Al dente means the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still firm to the bite.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: tortellini, olive oil, chorizo, mushrooms, cream, scallions, peas, garlic, and parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its rich flavors and sophisticated ingredients like chorizo and mushrooms make it an excellent choice for entertaining.
What cuisine style is this dish?
This dish is influenced by European cuisine, specifically as a variation of the Italian Boscaiola style.
Can I add more garlic if I prefer a stronger taste?
Yes, you can easily increase the amount of garlic to suit your personal preference.
Should I drain the tortellini completely?
Yes, drain the tortellini well, but keep them in the warm pan so they don't cool down before the sauce is ready.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick during the 10-minute simmer, you can add a small splash of pasta water or more cream to thin it out.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, the combination of creamy sauce, hearty pasta, and savory sausage makes it a classic comfort food dish.
Can I use different vegetables in the sauce?
While peas and mushrooms are standard for this recipe, you could easily adapt it with spinach or baby tomatoes.
How do I ensure the garlic doesn't burn?
Only cook the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant before adding the cream to prevent it from becoming bitter.
Can this recipe be made with traditional pasta?
Yes, while the recipe uses tortellini, it is versatile and can be made with traditional pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine.