If you’re craving a comfort food twist that’s bold and utterly satisfying, you’re going to love this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with spicy, savory chorizo for a combo that just hits all the right spots. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how the smoky cheddar and those chipotle chiles layer flavors that make each bite exciting. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is absolutely worth every step.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor Punch: The spicy chorizo mixed with smoky cheddar creates an unforgettable flavor combo.
Creamy Comfort Food: Rich cheese sauce paired with tender pasta makes it the ultimate cozy meal.
Quick to Make: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something special fast.
Crunchy Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs add just the right touch of texture and buttery goodness.

A white round plate holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy orange pasta spirals mixed evenly with small chunks of red tomatoes and pieces of green jalapeño slices, the middle layer is a light brown crumbly topping sprinkled all over, and the top layer has a few green cilantro leaves scattered around for color. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate, digging slightly into the pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some loose black pepper, a piece of torn bread at the top left, and small bowls containing black pepper, jalapeño slices, and green leaves scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese, spicy chorizo pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, smoky chorizo dish, comforting mac and cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but play together beautifully. I love using cavatappi because its spiral shape grabs onto the cheesy sauce, but elbow macaroni works just as well. The chorizo is the star, so pick a quality one with good spice and flavor — it makes all the difference.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked cavatappi pasta spilling slightly from a simple white ceramic bowl, three whole uncracked brown eggs nestled nearby, a small white bowl filled with bright orange smoked cheddar cheese shreds, a mound of raw chorizo sausage without casing on a white plate, half a shallot whole and showing clean smooth skin, three glossy red chipotle chiles resting beside a small white bowl of finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce, a small white bowl with golden extra-virgin olive oil, another small white bowl containing creamy whole milk, a handful of fresh bright green cilantro sprigs, a white ceramic bowl with golden brown toasted bread crumbs, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced fire roasted tomatoes (drained), three cloves of fresh garlic with papery skin intact, a small white bowl of fine paprika powder, a small white bowl with sifted white flour, and a whole stick of butter still solid and uncut—arranged with perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese, spicy chorizo pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, smoky chorizo dish, comforting mac and cheese

Cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni): Spiral shapes hold sauce perfectly; choose high-quality pasta for the best texture.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing all the flavors.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided use: for toasting breadcrumbs and building the sauce.
Butter: Adds richness, especially for toasting the breadcrumbs to a golden brown.
Bread crumbs: For a crunchy buttery topping that contrasts the creamy pasta.
Chorizo sausage (casings removed): The spicy, flavorful chorizo adds that irresistible kick and depth.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (drained): Adds smoky acidity to balance the richness of cheese and sausage.
Shallot (minced): Provides a fragrant, delicate onion flavor that deepens the sauce.
Garlic (minced): A must for savory depth and aroma.
Paprika: Boosts the smoky flavor profile and adds warmth.
Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (finely chopped): These bring smoky, spicy heat that turns regular mac and cheese into something extraordinary.
Flour: For thickening the sauce into that perfect creamy texture.
Whole milk: The base of the luscious cheese sauce.
Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
Smoked cheddar cheese (shredded): Smoked for more intense flavor than standard cheddar, it melts beautifully.
Fresh cilantro (to garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe is super versatile — you can really make it your own depending on what you’ve got on hand or your spice preferences. I often switch up the heat level or experiment with different cheeses based on the mood.

Vegetarian Version: Swap chorizo for smoky roasted mushrooms and add extra smoked paprika for that deep flavor I crave.
Cheese Blend: Try mixing in pepper jack or gouda with the cheddar to play with the smoky, spicy notes.
Mild Spice: Use fewer chipotle chiles or replace them with smoked paprika if you prefer something less fiery.
Crunch Topping Swaps: Toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips add a fun Tex-Mex twist.

How to Make Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil — I always add a good pinch of salt because it seasons the pasta from within. Cook the cavatappi until it’s just shy of al dente, meaning still a bit firmer than usual since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Overcooked pasta is a pet peeve of mine, so keep an eye on it to maintain that perfect bite!

Step 2: Toast those Breadcrumbs for Crunch

While the pasta cooks, heat half the olive oil with the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the breadcrumbs and toast them until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes — stirring often prevents burning. This simple step adds a buttery crunch that I always look forward to topping the dish with. Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl and wipe the pan clean.

Step 3: Cook Chorizo & Tomatoes

Back on medium-high heat, cook the chorizo in the skillet, breaking it up as it browns — about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the drained fire-roasted tomatoes, heating just until warmed through. This mixture is what brings that richness and spicy kick to your mac and cheese. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Build Your Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the remaining olive oil. Add your minced shallot and cook for a minute or two until softened and fragrant — this subtle sweetness creates a beautiful base. Add garlic and cook just until you smell it, about 30 seconds. Stir in paprika, chopped chipotle chiles, and the flour — cook while whisking for around 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken stock, then raise the heat until the sauce boils briefly. Reduce to a simmer and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Melt the smoked cheddar into your thickened sauce, stirring constantly for a minute or so until smooth and luscious. Stir in the cooked chorizo and tomato mixture, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dreamy sauce over the drained pasta and gently toss until every piece is coated with cheesy, spicy goodness.

Step 6: Serve with Crunch and Fresh Cilantro

Transfer the mac and cheese to a large serving platter. Sprinkle your toasted breadcrumbs on top, followed by plenty of fresh cilantro for a bright note that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately and watch your family go crazy for every delicious bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Undercook Your Pasta Slightly: It finishes cooking in the sauce, so avoid mushy noodles by pulling it off the heat just before al dente.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: This keeps them crispy and buttery – adding after plating maintains that satisfying crunch.
Use Smoked Cheddar: The smoky depth adds a ton of character; regular cheddar is fine, but smoked is next level.
Don’t Skip the Chipotles: They give a smoky heat that’s balanced by the cheese — don’t substitute with plain chili powder for true flavor.

How to Serve Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy macaroni dish made of spiral pasta covered in a light orange sauce, mixed with pieces of red tomatoes and browned bits. The pasta is topped with a crumbly golden-brown topping and black pepper, with three slices of green jalapeno peppers and a few green cilantro leaves scattered on top. A silver fork is placed in the bowl, resting on the pasta. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese, spicy chorizo pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, smoky chorizo dish, comforting mac and cheese

Garnishes

I’m all about finishing touches here — a handful of fresh cilantro really brightens each mouthful. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. The toasted breadcrumbs are non-negotiable in my book, they bring that buttery, crunchy contrast that makes the dish pop.

Side Dishes

This Chorizo Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. I love serving it alongside charred corn on the cob or a fresh tomato salad to bring some freshness and texture to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like to bake this mac and cheese briefly in a casserole dish topped with extra breadcrumbs and cheese for a bubbly golden crust. Or serve it in individual ramekins for a fun, fancy touch — perfect for date night or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing to keep the sauce creamy and the flavors fresh.

Freezing

I have successfully frozen this mac and cheese, though I recommend freezing before adding the breadcrumb topping for best texture. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Covering the pan helps maintain moisture while warming. I avoid the microwave to keep the creaminess smooth and the cheese luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is ideal because of its spiral shape that holds sauce well, elbow macaroni or shells also work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook the pasta until just shy of al dente so it finishes cooking when combined with the sauce.
What if I can’t find smoked cheddar cheese?

If smoked cheddar isn’t available, you can use sharp cheddar and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor. Gouda or a mild Monterey Jack can also work, but the smoked cheddar really elevates this dish.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Yes! You can reduce or omit the chipotle chiles in adobo sauce if you prefer mild flavors. Alternatively, substitute them with a teaspoon of smoked paprika to keep the smoky notes without the heat.
How do I keep the breadcrumb topping crispy?

Toast the breadcrumbs separately in butter and olive oil before adding them on top right before serving. This way, they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy from the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites because it isn’t just creamy comfort food—it’s got that perfect punch of smoky spice and a satisfying crunch that makes every bite memorable. I love sharing it with friends because it always gets rave reviews and everyone asks for the recipe. If you want to try something a little different but still comforting and straightforward, this is your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family loves it too!