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Creamy Rigatoni with Crispy Beef Chorizo and Tomato Ragù

This creamy rigatoni with crispy beef chorizo and tomato ragù is a quick and flavorful weeknight pasta recipe. The smoky chorizo, rich tomato sauce, and a bright dollop of lemon crème fraîche create a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a comforting dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 300 g rigatoni pasta
  • 225 g beef chorizo finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 tin tomato water reserved from tomato tin
  • large handful parmesan cheese grated
  • 5 tbsp crème fraîche
  • 1/2 lemon juice and zest
  • olive oil for frying
  • salt for pasta water and seasoning

Method
 

Prepare the Tomato Ragù
  1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped beef chorizo and cook until crisp and golden.
  2. Reduce the heat and stir in the garlic and oregano. Cook for another 4 minutes to release the aromas.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato water, and grated parmesan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Lemon Crème Fraîche
  1. In a small bowl, combine the crème fraîche with lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Adjust to taste for a brighter lemon flavor if desired.
Combine and Serve
  1. Toss the drained pasta with the tomato ragù in the pan. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
  2. Plate the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the lemon crème fraîche.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • For extra flavor, use high-quality parmesan and fresh lemon zest.