Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp: A Bold and Creamy Flavor Explosion

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of pasta to bring comfort to your day—but what if that bowl was also packed with smoky chorizo, juicy shrimp, and a luscious red pepper cream sauce? This Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp recipe is where creamy meets spicy, and seafood meets smoky richness—all in one dreamy dish. It’s bold. It’s beautiful. And it’s ready to shake up your pasta night!

This recipe brings together flavors from Spain and Italy in a fusion that’s fast enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner guests. The red pepper cream sauce is velvety and sweet, the chorizo adds boldness and depth, and the shrimp brings that fresh, briny finish. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of wine, and you’ve got a five-star meal in under 30 minutes.

🍝 Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, gather the following:

250g spaghetti – Use your favorite brand; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be substituted.
1 red bell pepper, diced – Sweet and bright, the base of your cream sauce.
150g Spanish chorizo, diced – Choose semi-cured or cured chorizo for flavor-packed bites.
200g peeled shrimp, deveined – Medium or large shrimp work best here.
2 garlic cloves, minced – For savory undertones.
1/2 cup heavy cream – To make the sauce rich and luxurious.
2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or chili flakes for garnish.

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—it will help emulsify the sauce later.

Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chorizo and Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to crisp and release its oil.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp and chorizo from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pepper Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced red bell pepper and garlic over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, until the pepper softens.

Transfer the pepper and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Return the creamy sauce to the skillet over low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy red pepper sauce. Add in the chorizo and shrimp. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.

🧄 Flavor Profile Breakdown

What makes this Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp so crave-worthy?

Creamy & Sweet: The red pepper cream sauce is naturally sweet and smooth, balancing the heat and saltiness.
Spicy & Smoky: The chorizo packs an irresistible punch of paprika and garlic that infuses every bite.
Succulent & Fresh: Shrimp brings that seafood sweetness and a tender, juicy texture.
Herbaceous & Rich: A sprinkle of parsley or basil at the end lifts the dish with freshness.

🍽️ Pairing Suggestions

To turn this into a full Mediterranean-style feast, try pairing with:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño
Garlic bread or focaccia
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus on the side

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can freeze the pepper cream sauce (without shrimp) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

💡 Customization Ideas

Love this dish but want to make it your own? Try these fun variations:

Make it vegetarian: Swap shrimp and chorizo for mushrooms and roasted chickpeas.
Add heat: Use spicy chorizo or blend a roasted chili into the sauce.
Add cheese: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to the sauce.
Try a different pasta: Penne, linguine, or tagliatelle all work beautifully here.

🔥 Why You’ll Make This Again & Again

This recipe is a home run because:

It uses simple, everyday ingredients.
It balances creaminess, spice, and seafood in one dish.
It’s fast, easy, and made in just one pan (after boiling the pasta).
It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up on a weeknight.
You can double the sauce and freeze half for next time!

📝 Final Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery texture.
Use quality chorizo: The flavor of your chorizo makes or breaks this dish. Look for authentic Spanish-style chorizo.
Blend the sauce well: A high-speed blender or immersion blender helps achieve that creamy, restaurant-style consistency.
Use pasta water wisely: It helps emulsify and cling the sauce to the noodles.

❤️ A Dish Made to Impress

Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, a weekend meal with friends, or just treating yourself to something bold and delicious, this Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp delivers in every way. From the silky red pepper sauce to the perfectly seasoned proteins, it’s a pasta night that goes beyond the usual and lands somewhere unforgettable.

📌 Save it. Try it. Love it.

Be sure to save this recipe for your next dinner inspiration. If you try it, snap a photo and tag us on social media!