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Discover this delightful Mediterranean pasta dish where sweet roasted red peppers blend perfectly with spicy chorizo and tender shrimp. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an elegant meal that brings the warmth of southern coastal cuisine to your table.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen rotation. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how the velvety pepper cream sauce clung to the pasta, creating the perfect backdrop for crispy chorizo and succulent shrimp.
Key Ingredients Guide
- Red Bell Peppers: Select plump, deep red peppers for maximum flavor and rich sauce color
- Chorizo: Use semi-cured chorizo that will release its flavorful oils while cooking
- Shrimp: Choose medium-sized raw shrimp for best texture and results
- Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream ensures a silky, luxurious sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Pepper Preparation:
- - Wash and dice peppers into uniform pieces
- Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until soft
- Blend with stock until smooth
Moving on to the next steps.
- 2. Creating the Sauce:
- - Crisp chorizo pieces in a large pan
- Remove chorizo, sauté minced garlic in the same pan
- Add pepper puree and simmer gently
- Incorporate cream and reduce until thickened - 3. Pasta and Final Assembly:
- - Cook spaghetti al dente in salted water
- Add shrimp to sauce 2 minutes before pasta is done
- Reserve pasta water before draining
- Combine pasta with sauce, top with reserved chorizo
My grandmother's lessons about perfectly cooked shrimp have stayed with me - she emphasized watching them carefully to preserve their delicate texture and natural sweetness.
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Balancing Flavors
Success lies in the harmony between components. The chorizo should complement rather than overwhelm the shrimp, while the sauce should coat the pasta perfectly without drowning it. Each ingredient plays an essential role in the final dish.
Timing Is Everything
Getting the sequence right ensures perfect results. Start with the pepper sauce preparation, then heat the pasta water. This timing allows all elements to come together at just the right moment.
This recipe has become my go-to entertaining dish, consistently requested by friends and family. It demonstrates how carefully selected simple ingredients can create an impressive meal that brings people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Absolutely, the bell pepper sauce can be prepped up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- → What’s the best way to roast peppers?
- Place them in a hot oven broiler or on a sizzling hot pan until the skins get evenly charred. Sealing them in a bag makes peeling much easier.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.
- → What’s a good substitute for chorizo?
- You could go for diced ham or smoked bacon for a milder option.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
- Warm leftovers gently in a pan with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.