Ring of Fire Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery twist on classic pasta with smoky paprika and spicy chorizo, served over al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, chorizo sausage, medium red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chorizo and cook for 5 minutes until crispy, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent, then stir in chopped red bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Return chorizo to the skillet, add tomato sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, add 1/4 cup pasta water to bind the sauce, and stir to coat.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan and additional chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ring of Fire Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Ring of Fire Pasta?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ring of Fire Pasta?

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 Ring of Fire Pasta 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 Ring of Fire Pasta?

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.

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