1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Chorizo and Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled chorizo and cook until it starts to become crispy and is fully cooked through. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and shrimp. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side, depending on their size. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chorizo.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the remaining fat in the skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta, chorizo, and shrimp back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the ingredients are heated through.
6. Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chipotle Shrimp & Chorizo Pasta:
- Adjusting the Heat: Chipotle peppers can be quite spicy. Start with one pepper and add more as needed after tasting.
- Cream Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
- Seafood Options: You can easily swap out shrimp for scallops or even chicken if you’re not a fan of seafood.
This dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying texture, making it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy your meal!