Name: Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Portuguese-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb. chourico (pre-cooked, diced); 1 lb. Garofalo spaghetti; 1 small green bell pepper (seeded, stem removed, sliced thin); 6 rainbow peppers (seeded, stem removed, sliced thin); 1 medium onion (peeled, sliced thin); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tbsps. olive oil; 15 ounces diced tomatoes (drained); 32 ounces marinara sauce; 1/4 tsp. Portuguese all spice; 1/4 tsp. garlic powder; 1/4 tsp. onion powder; 1/4 tsp. black pepper; 1/4 tsp. Italian herbs; 1/2 tsp. sea salt (divided, for pasta water and sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you’re craving a pasta dish that perfectly marries bold flavors with colorful, fresh ingredients, you’re in for a treat with this Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe. This dish combines the smoky, spicy goodness of chourico sausage with a vibrant medley of bell peppers, onions, and rich marinara sauce, all tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting, delivering a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat lay of pasta ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the top left, there is a green-edged cloth with two packs of Garofalo spaghetti noodles placed on it, the noodles are light yellow and long. To the right of the noodles, there is a peeled yellow onion and a glass bowl filled with diced red tomatoes. Scattered across the bottom and right side are small colorful mini sweet peppers in red, orange, and yellow. Near the center, there is a white plate with blue star-like patterns, holding two small red peppers, a clove of garlic, and a green bell pepper. The arrangement is clean and bright, with fresh colors and simple textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe comes to life with a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the spicy, savory chourico sausage to the rainbow peppers adding sweetness and crunch, every component brings a pop of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish truly shine.

1 lb. chourico: Adds smoky, spicy depth to the dish; pre-cooked so it heats quickly.

1 lb. Garofalo Spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully with its firm texture.
3 tbsps. olive oil: For sautéing veggies and enriching the flavor with its fruity notes.
1 small green bell pepper (sliced thin): Brings a subtle earthy crunch and vibrant green color.

6 rainbow peppers (sliced thin): Sweetness and a carnival of colors to brighten the dish.
1 medium onion (sliced thin): Adds natural sweetness and fragrant depth when cooked.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic bite that complements the chourico.

15 ounces diced tomatoes (drained): Offers fresh tomato texture and balances richness with acidity.
32 ounces marinara sauce: The rich, hearty base that ties all flavors together beautifully.
¼ tsp. Portuguese all spice: A subtle hint of warming spice that enhances the sausage’s flavor.

¼ tsp. garlic powder: A boost of garlicky flavor that intensifies the aroma.
¼ tsp. onion powder: Enhances the natural sweetness of sautéed onions.
¼ tsp. black pepper: Adds a mild heat that keeps the palate interested.

¼ tsp. Italian herbs: A fragrant mix that rounds out the sauce with classic Mediterranean notes.
½ tsp. sea salt (divided): Crucial for seasoning both pasta water and sauce to perfection.

How to Make Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large 6-quart pot of salted water to a boil — make sure to add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Adding salt at this stage is key because it enhances the flavor of the spaghetti itself. Once the water is roaring, add your Garofalo spaghetti and cook it until just al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a firm bite. Drain the pasta when ready, but don’t rinse it — you want the sauce to cling to every strand.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced onions, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and rainbow peppers. Sauté this colorful mix for about 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and release their natural aromas. This step develops sweetness and layers of flavor, which perfectly balance the spicy chourico later on.

Step 3: Add the Chourico

Now, time to add the star ingredient. Dice the pre-cooked chourico sausage and mix it into the vegetable skillet. Since chourico is already cooked, allow it to warm through for about 5 minutes, letting its juices mingle with the peppers and onions. This step infuses the entire pan with that irresistible smoky, spicy essence that defines the dish.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour in the drained diced tomatoes along with the 32 ounces of marinara sauce. Sprinkle in the Portuguese all spice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian herbs, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything together to blend the flavors seamlessly, then cover with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Plate a generous portion of your cooked spaghetti and spoon the hearty chourico and peppers mixture generously over the top. This final step lets the warmth of the sauce soak into the noodles, creating an inviting, comforting dish that’s as tasty as it is colorful.

How to Serve Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe to the next level, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. These garnishes add a luxurious finishing touch — the salty, nutty cheese perfectly complements the spicy chourico, while herbs brighten and freshen every bite.

Side Dishes

A crusty piece of Portuguese bread or a warm baguette is an ideal side to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a light contrast, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can add some fresh crunch too.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve your Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a few chili flakes for added heat. Layer some fresh basil leaves underneath the pasta for a pop of green. For family-style meals, a big rustic wooden bowl filled with the pasta makes a warm, inviting centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight as the spices meld together even more.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers for longer storage, transfer the pasta with sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and maximum flavor retention.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chourico?

Absolutely! While chourico brings a unique smoky and spicy flavor, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage or andouille if chourico is hard to find. Just be mindful to adjust spices to keep the balance.

Do I need to peel the bell peppers before slicing?

No need to peel the bell peppers. Simply remove the stem and seeds, then slice thinly. The skins add a nice texture and vibrant color to the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chourico and add extra peppers and onions, or consider adding mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives for that umami kick.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for Garofalo spaghetti, any quality long pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or even bucatini will work well, as they hold the sauce beautifully and match the dish’s texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chourico and black pepper. If you prefer more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when simmering.

Final Thoughts

This Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe is truly a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. It’s perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends with something a little different yet incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want a delicious, hearty pasta meal with a Portuguese twist.

Chourico and Peppers Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredients You'll Need