1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the crumbled chorizo. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chorizo is browned and crispy.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.
4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until the cream is fully incorporated. If the sauce appears too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Season the sauce with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until evenly coated.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Chorizo pasta is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables or different types of cheese. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing.