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Spanish Style Risoni Why You'll Love This!

One of the best things about this Spanish Style Risoni is how incredibly simple it is to make while still delivering on big, bold flavours. With just one pan, you get a deeply savoury, slightly smoky, and beautifully spiced meal that’s packed with goodness. The combination of chorizo and paprika brings a rich depth of flavour, while the fresh vegetables add balance and texture. Plus, since everything is cooked together, the risoni soaks up all those amazing spices, making it unbelievably tasty.
It’s also a great option for busy weeknights because it comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep. No fancy techniques or hours spent over the stove—just a simple, fuss-free meal that your whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick and comforting dinner, Spanish Style Risoni is a winner.
Using the right ingredients can take this Spanish Style Risoni from good to incredible. While the recipe itself is super flexible, choosing high-quality ingredients will give you the best results.

Chorizo

Chorizo is the backbone of this dish, adding a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy depth of flavour. Smoked Spanish chorizo is the best choice because it has an intense savoury taste and firm texture that holds up beautifully when cooked. If you prefer a milder option, you can swap it for kransky or kabana sausages, but you may need to add extra smoked paprika to get that signature Spanish-style flavour.

Mushrooms 🍄

Classic stroganoff calls for button or Swiss brown mushrooms, but if you love a stronger mushroom flavour, try portobello or shiitake.

Paprika

No Spanish-inspired dish is complete without smoked paprika. It adds warmth, earthiness, and a gorgeous deep red colour to the dish. If you like a bit of spice, try mixing in a pinch of hot paprika for an extra kick.

Risoni (Orzo)

Risoni, also known as orzo, is a small, rice-shaped pasta that works perfectly in one-pan meals. It absorbs all the delicious stock and seasonings, making every bite incredibly flavourful. If you don’t have risoni on hand, you can swap it for Israeli couscous or broken spaghetti, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Veggies

The beauty of this dish is that you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. My go-to combination includes capsicum, zucchini, carrot, celery, and onion, but you can also add mushrooms, peas, baby spinach, or even sundried tomatoes for extra flavour.

Chicken Stock

Using a good-quality chicken stock makes all the difference in this dish. The stock gets absorbed by the risoni, adding richness and depth to every bite. If you have homemade stock, even better! You can also use vegetable stock if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Making Spanish Style Risoni is already simple, but these tips and tricks will ensure it turns out perfect every time.
  • Toast the risoni first! – Before adding the stock, stir the risoni in the pan with the chorizo and paprika for a minute or two. This step enhances the nutty flavour and gives the pasta a beautiful golden colour.
  • Don’t skimp on the lemon! 🍋 – Adding lemon slices to the pan might seem unusual, but they infuse the dish with a subtle citrusy freshness that balances the rich, smoky flavours. Just remember to remove them before serving.
  • Keep an eye on the liquid! – Risoni absorbs liquid quickly, so if it starts looking dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more water or stock to keep everything nice and saucy.
  • Want a little extra heat? 🌶️ – If you love spice, a pinch of chilli flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will kick things up a notch.
  • Make it creamy! – For a luxurious twist, stir through a spoonful of Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche just before serving. It adds a beautiful creaminess that complements the smoky chorizo.
This Spanish Style Risoni is incredibly satisfying on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are a few delicious pairing ideas.
  • Crusty Bread – Serve with some warm, crusty bread to mop up all the tasty sauce.
  • Simple Green Salad – A fresh rocket and feta salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
  • A Glass of Red – Pair this with a Spanish Tempranillo or a Shiraz for the ultimate flavour experience.
This Spanish Style Risoni is perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and can be stored easily.
  • Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or stock when reheating to keep it from drying out.
  • Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat Like a Pro – Warm it gently on the stovetop with a little extra stock, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
If you enjoyed this Spanish Style Risoni, here are some more one-pan wonders you’ll love!

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If you make this Spanish Style Risoni, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff I love seeing your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
Spanish Style Risoni
Steph de Sousa

Spanish Style Risoni

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If you love bold flavours, quick cooking, and minimal washing up, this Spanish Style Risoni is for you! Packed with smoky chorizo, colourful veggies, and a hit of paprika, it’s a hearty, easy dinner that comes together in one pan.
Print Recipe
prep time Prep Time 15 minutes
setting time Setting Time
 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 441
dish icon Ingredients Equipmentcook book Methodhealt Nutritionvideo icon Video

Ingredients
 

  • 3 chorizo sausages diced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 celery stick diced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 capsicum diced
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 2 cups risoni
  • 1 litre chicken stock
  • 1 bunch parsley chopped

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan and sizzle the chorizo until golden.
  2. Add carrot, celery, and onion, cooking for a few minutes.
  3. Toss in zucchini and capsicum, stirring for a few more minutes.
  4. Stir in paprika, thyme, lemon slices, and risoni.
  5. Pour over chicken stock, give it a good stir, and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce to low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it dries out before the risoni is tender, add a splash of water.
  7. Remove lemon slices, stir through parsley, and season with salt.
  8. Serve up and enjoy this flavour-packed dish!

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 18gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 536mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 4864IUVitamin C: 78mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 4mg

Video

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chorizo for smoked tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and add extra smoked paprika for depth of flavour.
Definitely! This dish stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Just add a splash of water or stock when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
If you don’t have risoni, you can use Israeli couscous, broken spaghetti, or short-grain rice. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
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