Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your dinner routine! This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a bold fusion of Italian tradition and spicy Spanish flair that will make your kitchen come alive with incredible flavors. Imagine perfectly cooked orecchiette pasta embracing crispy chorizo sausage and golden-roasted butternut squash, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 8 oz chorizo sausage, sliced
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing butternut squash into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Slice chorizo sausage into thin rounds. Mince garlic cloves finely.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo sausage slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to crisp and release their oils.
- Add diced butternut squash to the skillet with chorizo. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash becomes tender and develops golden-brown edges.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with chorizo and squash. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure your butternut squash and chorizo are cut into consistent sizes for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together seamlessly.
- Don't Overcrowd: When sautéing chorizo and squash, use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization.
- Timing is Key: Add garlic late in the cooking process to prevent burning and preserve its aromatic qualities.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the rich, spicy dish.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference—start conservatively and add more if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
