🍝 Creamy Chorizo & Shrimp Spaghetti

Tender spaghetti tossed with sautéed onions, garlic, smoky chorizo, juicy shrimp, and finished with a luscious sour cream sauce—ready in under 30 minutes for a bold, flavorful meal!

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Comfort Food, Mediterranean-Inspired

📝 Ingredients

• 250g spaghetti (about 9 oz)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 150g chorizo, cubed (about 5 oz)

• 200g peeled shrimp (about 7 oz)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 20cl thick sour cream (about ¾ cup)

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

• Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chorizo & Pepper

• Add the cubed chorizo and diced red pepper.

• Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

• Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

• Reduce heat to low.

• Stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

• Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture until well coated.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

💡 Notes & Tips

• Chorizo choice: Spanish (cured) or Mexican (fresh) chorizo both work, but Spanish will be firmer and smokier.

• Lighten up: Use light sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce W-W points.

• Shrimp tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can get rubbery if left too long.

📸 Step-by-Step Guide

(Suggested photo ideas: sautéing onion and garlic → adding chorizo and peppers → shrimp in the pan → sauce with sour cream → tossed with spaghetti)

Pro Tip: Reserve a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick when mixing.

🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps

Why these ingredients?

• Chorizo: Adds smoky, spicy depth.

• Shrimp: Provides lean protein and pairs well with the creamy sauce.

• Sour cream: Creates a rich, tangy sauce.

• Spaghetti: Classic base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Substitutions:

• Swap sour cream for light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for fewer W-W points.

• Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.

• For less spice, use turkey sausage instead of chorizo.

🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Add-Ins:

• A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra heat.

• Fresh parsley or basil as a garnish.

• A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies.

• Serve with a slice of crusty bread (optional, adds points).

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate.

🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**

Calories: ~490 kcal | Protein: ~28g | Carbs: ~42g | Fat: ~25g

W-W Points (per serving, using full-fat sour cream and regular chorizo):
➡️ 13 Points

Lightened version (using light sour cream, lean chorizo or turkey sausage, and whole wheat pasta):
➡️ 9 Points

W-W Points will vary based on exact ingredient brands and quantities. For best accuracy, input your specific ingredients into the W-W app.

Allergens: Wheat (spaghetti), Milk (sour cream), Shellfish (shrimp)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use cooked shrimp?
A: Yes—just add cooked shrimp at the end to heat through without overcooking.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt (will change flavor slightly).

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper.

📝 The Story Behind the Recipe

This dish combines a love for creamy pasta with bold, Spanish-inspired flavors. It’s quick enough for weeknights but feels fancy enough for entertaining guests—plus, it’s easily adaptable for a lighter W-W-friendly version without sacrificing taste!