Chorizo Pasta Bake

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 that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for pasta lovers and chorizo enthusiasts alike, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and truly unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g Penne pasta
• 250 g Chorizo sausage
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Onion
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 400 g Canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 200 g Mozzarella cheese
• 50 g Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) or 180°C (356°F) for fan-assisted ovens.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Finely chop the onion and garlic, and dice the red bell pepper. Add them to the skillet with the chorizo oil and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chorizo sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 10

Shred the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle both cheeses over the top of the pasta.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy your Chorizo Pasta Bake with a side salad or crusty bread, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1733.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3979.0

Total Fat 199.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 396.8mg	0%
Sodium 9090.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 360.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 34.2g
Protein 185.8g	0%

Vitamin D 32IU	0%
Calcium 2036.4mg	0%
Iron 26.1mg	0%
Potassium 2796.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.1%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 36.2%