Warming Chorizo & Squash Mac 'n' Cheese

Mac 'n" cheese is always a good idea in our opinion, and this tweaked version makes it even cosier, and comforting for the cosy autumn season.

The warming flavours from the Chorizo and the smoked paprika pair fantastically with the autumn squash - it's so good!

In the recipe we say to use an onion, however we have used leek also, and it tastes lovely too.

This is a 'One-Pot' recipe, which we absolutely love - less washing-up is always a bonus.

We use homemade squash puree, however shop bought canned is perfectly fine too.

You can check out how we make our homemade squash puree below;

https://www.thechaihome.com/post/homemade-pumpkin-pie-puree

This comforting cheesy one-pot pasta dish will be a favorite in our home this autumn, and we're sure you'll enjoy it too.

Let's get into the recipe.

Happy Cooking!

The Chai Home 😋

INGREDIENTS

• 500g of Dried Pasta (we like to use Rigatoni)

• 1x small Onion finely diced

• 5x Cloves of Garlic - crushed and finely diced

• 200g of Chorizo - diced

• 1x cup of Pumpkin / Squash Puree (fresh or canned) click here for what we use.

• 2x cups of Grated Cheddar Cheese

• 1/2 cup of Grated Parmesan

• 2x large pinches of Salt & Pepper

• 2x heaped tsp of Smoked Paprika

• 1x heaped tsp of Turmeric

• 1x tsp of Chilli Flakes

• 1x tsp of Ground Nutmeg

• 6x cups of Water

• 1x cup of Milk

• 1x tbsp of Butter

• 1x tbsp of Olive Oil

METHOD

In a large saucepan add the butter and oil and put on a high heat. Once the butter has melted go ahead and add the diced onion, garlic and Chorizo, and fry for a few minutes until the onions have softened slightly.

Now add all of your spices and seasonings and mix together well. Fry off for 1-2 minutes before turning to a low heat, and adding in your pasta. Mix together well ensuring to evenly coat your pasta in all the seasonings.

Add in your water, mix and then turn the heat back-up to high.

Cook on high until your pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally - you're looking for al dente pasta, not soggy overcooked.

When the pasta is cooked, add the milk and stir. Now add in the pumpkin and mix through ensuring an even distribution.

Cheese time! Add in the grated cheese, stir through until melted.

Once the pumpkin is evenly mixed through and all the cheese has melted, remove from the heat, serve and Enjoy!