Easy Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Chorizo mac and cheese is such a comforting meal! We’re taking regular mac and cheese up a notch with crispy chorizo sausage, sauteed vegetables, and an easy-to-make sauce in the blender. The chorizo sausage, vegetables, pasta, and cheese sauce melt together and you’re left with a flavorful, delicious, and EASY dinner the entire family will love!

Chorizo mac and cheese

Mac and cheese will always be on rotation in our household.

Sometimes it’s from a box (which brings my children so much joy).

Other times it’s from scratch and super healthy mac and cheese. Or a fun twist like tuna mac and cheese!

And other times, it’s rich and full of comfort.

A more adult chorizo macaroni and cheese. Although my kids ate it too!

It’s slightly spicy from the chorizo sausage, super creamy from the tofu sauce, and of course, filled with loads of cheddar cheese!

Fool-proof creamy mac and cheese is coming your way. Enjoy!

What type of chorizo should you use?

For this mac and cheese with chorizo, I’ve used a mixture of different kinds of chorizo over the years. Here are my recommended options:

Pork chorizo – It’s store-bought and already seasoned. I always look for one with minimal ingredients, no added nitrates, and preservatives.

If you can’t find a store-bought pork chorizo option you like, you can also make your own easily at home!  Try my homemade chorizo recipe.

Chicken chorizo sausage – For a leaner option, try pre-cooked chicken chorizo sausage! You’ll want to dice it and it will only need to saute in a frying pan for 3-4 minutes to warm through.

What you need for chorizo mac and cheese

• chorizo sausage
• mushrooms
• onion
• silken tofu
• milk of choice
• sea salt
• black pepper
• stone ground mustard
• elbow macaroni pasta
• cheddar cheese

How to make mac and cheese with chorizo

1. In a large skillet over medium high heat add the sausage.  Break into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Add the mushroom and onion into the pan with the chorizo and cook until both are soft – about 5 minutes.
2. While the sausage and vegetables cook, get the macaroni cooking.  Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain once done cooking.
3. While the macaroni is cooking, make the smooth sauce by blending together the tofu, milk, sea salt, pepper, and mustard. 
4. Into the large skillet with the chorizo, add the cooked macaroni, creamy sauce, and grated cheese. Stir to combine and continue to heat over low to medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chorizo cheese sauce is super creamy.

Substitutions

Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this chorizo mac n cheese recipe. 

If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!

Elbow pasta – You can easily substitute any shape of pasta!

Chorizo sausage – Did you know you can easily make your own homemade chorizo sausage? Try this chorizo recipe and adjust the seasoning to your preference!  You can also use any type of store-bought Mexican chorizo – pork, chicken, or turkey.  If you choose to use a leaner sausage, you may want to add a little olive oil or avocado oil to the pan before cooking.

Mushrooms – Not a mushroom fan? Omit it, or add in cauliflower rice for a sneaky vegetable addition.  You could also swap in red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.

Onion – Any type of onion will work. If you want a more mild onion flavor, go for green onion, or freeze-dried chives. Minced red onion would be delicious too!

Silken tofu – The tofu not only adds more protein to the dish, but it also helps to easily make the sauce creamy. If you’re looking for a soy-free mac and cheese sauce alternative, try my butternut squash mac and cheese sauce!  To replace the tofu, try a mixture of cream cheese, whole milk, and all-purpose flour.

Cheddar cheese – Don’t have cheddar cheese around? Try using these shredded cheeses instead – colby jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, or gouda.

What to serve with mac and cheese

I love to add a vegetable side along with homemade mac and cheese. Here are a few of my go-to salads the whole family will love!

• Kale pomegranate salad with lemon maple dressing
• Kale crunch salad
• Tomato and avocado salad with grilled corn

More recipes you’ll love

• Healthier mac and cheese with butternut squash
• Sheet pan chorizo breakfast hash
• Cheesy curry chicken and rice casserole

f you try this chorizo mac and cheese recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

Heather

Originally published July 2012. Updated April 2023.