Smoky Chipotle Chorizo Mac and Cheese
Indulge in this irresistible Smoky Chipotle Chorizo Mac and Cheese that combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the bold flavors of smoky chipotle and spicy chorizo. Finished with the sharpness of smoked cheddar and vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe allows you to savor every bite within just 30 minutes. Gather your loved ones and dive into a pot of rich, smoky goodness that’s creamy and satisfying!
N/A
Servings
334
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
1 lb (or cavatapi corkscrew shaped pasta, cooked al dente)
salt
to taste (for cooking pasta and seasoning sauce)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (plus some for drizzling)
chorizo sausage
3/4 lb (casing removed and diced)
fire-roasted tomatoes
2 cups (diced and drained)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
chipotle chiles in adobo
2 (chopped, with juices (or substitute with 1 tablespoon ground chipotle chili))
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening the sauce)
whole milk
3 cups (for creamy sauce)
chicken stock
1 cup (for added flavor)
smoked cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded for sauce)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni (or cavatapi) and cook until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. In a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and add the diced chorizo. Sauté until the chorizo is browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Add the diced fire-roasted tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked chorizo, mixing well. Heat through, then remove from heat and set aside.
4
4. In a separate medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Introduce the finely chopped onion and chopped chipotle chiles, cooking for 3-5 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
5
5. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly (about 1 minute).
6
6. Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce to a rolling simmer. Allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
7
7. Add the shredded smoked cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
8
8. Combine the reserved chorizo and tomato mixture into the cheese sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9
9. Fold the cheese sauce into the drained pasta in a large pot, tossing to fully coat the pasta.
10
10. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Chipotle Chorizo Mac and Cheese?
It is an irresistible dish combining creamy macaroni and cheese with smoky chipotle and spicy chorizo.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe can be prepared and ready to serve within just 30 minutes.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
You can use 1 lb of macaroni or cavatapi corkscrew shaped pasta.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains 334 calories.
What type of cheese provides the smoky flavor?
The recipe uses 3 cups of shredded smoked cheddar cheese for its sharp and smoky notes.
How much chorizo is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of chorizo sausage with the casing removed.
What are the macronutrients per serving?
It contains 20g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until just shy of al dente.
How do you prepare the chorizo?
Drizzle olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced chorizo until browned and crispy, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
What is added to the chorizo after it is cooked?
Diced fire-roasted tomatoes are added to the skillet and heated through with the chorizo.
How do you start the cheese sauce?
Sauté finely chopped onion and chopped chipotle chiles in olive oil for 3-5 minutes until softened.
What is used to thicken the cheese sauce?
Three tablespoons of all-purpose flour are whisked into the onion and chipotle mixture.
What liquids are used for the sauce?
The sauce uses 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of chicken stock.
How do you ensure the sauce is not lumpy?
Slowly pour in the milk and stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
When is the cheese added to the sauce?
The shredded smoked cheddar is stirred into the sauce after the liquid mixture has simmered and thickened.
Can I substitute the chipotle chiles in adobo?
Yes, you can substitute 2 chopped chipotle chiles with 1 tablespoon of ground chipotle chili.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of diced and drained fire-roasted tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is categorized under spicy dishes due to the inclusion of chorizo and chipotle chiles.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe requires 3 cups of shredded smoked cheddar cheese.
What is the final step before serving?
Fold the cheese sauce into the drained pasta in a large pot and toss to fully coat.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the dish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
What type of onion is needed?
One small onion, finely chopped, is used for the sauce base.
What cooking method is used for the pasta?
The pasta is boiled in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
Can this be served for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as being sure to impress at any gathering or for a cozy weekend feast.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
Three tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used for thickening.
What amount of milk is required?
Three cups of whole milk are used to ensure the sauce is creamy.
Is the chicken stock necessary?
One cup of chicken stock is used to provide added flavor to the sauce.
What makes this dish smoky?
The smoky profile comes from both the chipotle chiles and the smoked cheddar cheese.
How much olive oil is used in the sauce?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the onion and chiles.