Save A hearty, flavor-packed pasta bake featuring spicy vegan chorizo, roasted vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting plant-based meal.
This pasta bake has become a favorite in my kitchen for its rich taste and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g dried rigatoni or penne, salt for boiling
- Vegan Chorizo & Vegetables: 250 g vegan chorizo sliced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 zucchini diced, 1 small red onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce: 500 ml passata (sieved tomatoes), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt and black pepper to taste
- Topping: 60 g vegan mozzarella grated, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook the pasta until just al dente (2 minutes less than package instructions) Drain and set aside
- Cook Chorizo:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add vegan chorizo slices and cook for 34 minutes until browned Remove and set aside
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet add onion garlic bell pepper and zucchini Sauté for 57 minutes until softened
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in passata tomato paste smoked paprika chili flakes oregano cumin salt and pepper Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and vegan chorizo to the sauce Toss everything together until well combined
- Assemble Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish Sprinkle with vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast
- Bake:
- Bake for 1520 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
Pin it My family loves gathering around this dish especially during cozy weekend dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pairings
Pairs well with a chilled Spanish rosé or sparkling water with lemon.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten from pasta and soy commonly found in vegan chorizo and cheese Check labels for traces of nuts or other allergens
Pin it This spicy vegan chorizo baked pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the vegan chorizo flavorful?
Sauté sliced vegan chorizo until browned to intensify its smoky, spicy flavors. Adding smoked paprika and chili flakes enhances the taste further.
- → Can I substitute vegetables in this pasta?
Yes, eggplant, mushrooms, or additional peppers can be used to vary textures and flavors while keeping the dish vibrant.
- → What is the best way to cook the pasta for baking?
Boil pasta until just al dente, slightly undercooking it so it finishes cooking in the sauce and oven without becoming mushy.
- → How do I achieve a golden, bubbling topping?
Sprinkle vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast evenly over the top before baking for a melty, golden crust.
- → What kind of drinks pair well with this dish?
Pair with a crisp Spanish rosé or sparkling water with lemon to complement the spicy, rich flavors.