Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Chorizo Pasta Bake, a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic pasta casserole. This dish combines tender penne pasta with smoky, spiced slices of chorizo sausage and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onions, and red bell pepper. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this oven-baked masterpiece comes together in just under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing centerpiece for casual gatherings. The addition of dried herbs like oregano and basil elevates the savory aroma, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch. Serve it alongside a crisp side salad or warm crusty bread for a complete, mouthwatering meal thatβs sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for pasta lovers and chorizo enthusiasts alike, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and truly unforgettable.
Preheat your oven to 200Β°C (392Β°F) or 180Β°C (356Β°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Slice the chorizo into thin rounds and add it to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned and the fat has rendered out. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and set aside.
Finely chop the onion and garlic, and dice the red bell pepper. Add them to the skillet with the chorizo oil and sautΓ© for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chorizo sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Shred the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle both cheeses over the top of the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Chorizo Pasta Bake with a side salad or crusty bread, if desired.
Calories |
3979 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.3 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.7 g | 408% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 397 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 9090 mg | 395% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 360.3 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 185.8 g | 372% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 2036 mg | 157% | |
| Iron | 26.1 mg | 145% | |
| Potassium | 2796 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.