One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Penne
A hearty one-pot pasta combining spicy chorizo, ripe tomatoes, and tender penne for a flavorful, fuss-free Italian-inspired meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spicy chorizo sausage, sliced, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spicy chorizo sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced spicy chorizo sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is aromatic.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups chicken broth, 8 oz dry penne pasta, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spicy chorizo sausage, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Tomato Penne?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.