Ring of Fire Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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