Chorizo Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
• Salt
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin, divided)
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 9 ounces chorizo sausage (casings removed)
• 1 15-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
• 3 Tablespoons flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cups cheddar cheese (smoked (preferred), shredded )
• Fresh cilantro (to garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

2. 2

   When it boils, salt water and cook 1 pound cavatappi pasta until a little under done, just shy of al dente.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat 1 TBSP olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter has melted, add the ½ cup bread crumbs, and toast until golden, 2-3 minutes. Remove the breadcrumbs to a small bowl and wipe the skillet clean.

4. 4

   Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the 9 ounces chorizo sausage. Cook the chorizo for 2-3 minutes. Add the 1 15-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes to the pan and heat them through. Remove from heat and reserve.

5. 5

   While chorizo begins to cook, heat a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 TBSP olive oil, then add the 1 shallot. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add the 3 cloves garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the 1 teaspoon paprika, 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and 3 Tablespoons flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in the 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken broth and raise heat up to medium-high. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened.

6. 6

   Drain your pasta and return it to the pot it was cooked in.

7. 7

   Add 3 cups cheddar cheese to the milk sauce and stir to melt, a minute or so. Stir in chorizo and tomatoes and season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to combine.

8. 8

   Transfer the pasta to a large serving platter, garnish with the toasted breadcrumbs and cilantro and serve.