Baked Feta Pasta Chorizo Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the bold flavors of chorizo and creamy feta with the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes, creating a mouthwatering sauce for the pasta. Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for impressing friends at a cozy dinner party!

I adore how the savory sauce of juicy cherry tomatoes and sliced chorizo sausage envelops the creamy feta cheese in this Baked Feta Pasta Chorizo. My favorite part is when the minced garlic, pasta, and a little hit of red pepper flake spice bind together under the fresh basil to form the most irresistible of melty-and-saucy combinations.

Ingredients

Feta cheese is a rich source of calcium and protein, which gives it a creamy flavor profile.

Chorizo Sausage: Offers an infusion of smoky, spicy flavor.

High in protein and fat.

Carbohydrates, which give us energy, are mainly found in staple foods.

Pasta is a good example; it’s high in starch, which is a complex carbohydrate.

When you chew pasta, it gives you a satisfying texture, and it seems to have a certain amount of substance.

Bursting with natural sweetness and packing in vitamin C and antioxidants, cherry tomatoes are a delightful treat.

Garlic: Bolsters flavor, holds beneficial compounds, underpins immune health.

Olive oil: adds richness, has healthy fats, heart-healthy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz (225 g) feta cheese block
• 10 oz (280 g) chorizo sausage, sliced
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups (approximately 300 g) cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before starting to make the entrée.

2. In a big oven-safe dish, place the block of feta cheese in the middle. All around it, put the cherry tomatoes.

3. Evenly distribute the sliced chorizo sausage over the tomatoes and feta.

4. Add the olive oil in a thin stream over the feta, tomatoes, and chorizo. Then add the minced garlic, and if you are using them, the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Gently toss everything around the feta to coat the tomatoes and chorizo with the oil and seasoning.

6. In a 400°F oven, bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.

7. As the dish bakes, prepare the pasta per the package guidelines, cooking until just shy of tender. Drain, saving half a cup of the starchy cooking liquid.

8. Take the baking tray from the oven. Using a fork, mix the feta and tomatoes, mashing them into a creamy sauce with the chorizo.

9. Toss the cooked pasta with the feta-tomato-chorizo mixture in the dish. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time until the consistency is just right.

10. If you wish, you can finish the dish with a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves and some grated Parmesan cheese. And don’t wait too long to eat it. Serve it hot, fresh from the stovetop.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Oven-safe baking dish
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Garlic press or mincer
7. Large pot (for cooking pasta)
8. Colander (for draining pasta)
9. Fork (for mashing)
10. Large spoon or spatula (for tossing)
11. Optional: Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?Certainly! Goat cheese or ricotta can be used instead of feta for a different flavor; both work well in this dish.
• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?Pasta that is short, such as penne or fusilli, is ideal because it holds the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?Certainly! The chorizo can be omitted, or you can substitute it with plant-based sausage. You can also up the quantity of vegetables by adding more bell pepper or zucchini.
• How can I make this dish less spicy?You can adjust the level of spice to your liking by either reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
• How do I store leftovers?Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To enjoy your meal again, reheat it in either a skillet or the microwave until it’s warmed through.
• Can I make this dish gluten-free?Absolutely, simply exchange the traditional pasta for your preferred gluten-free pasta type.
• What can I use as a garnish if I don’t have fresh basil?A great substitute for basil is fresh parsley or arugula, both of which can add a fresh jolt to your dish.

Substitutions and Variations

For feta cheese: You can substitute 8 ounces (225 grams) of goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
For chorizo sausage: 10 oz (280 g) of Italian sausage or turkey sausage can be used as a milder substitute.
Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta can be substituted for pasta in amounts of 12 oz (340 g).
Use 2 cups (about 300 g) of grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
To make red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper or a pinch of paprika can impart a different kind of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Roast for Extra Flavor Before baking, roast the cherry tomatoes and chorizo for about 10 minutes in the oven to intensify their flavor. This step will help release their juices and deepen the dish’s overall taste.

2. Pasta Cooking Tip Undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This allows it to absorb the flavors better when mixed with the sauce and prevent it from becoming mushy.

3. Feta Variation Consider using a mix of regular and spicy or flavored feta (such as sun-dried tomato or herbs) to add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

4. Enhanced Creaminess For a richer texture, stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche to the feta-tomato-chorizo mixture before adding the pasta. This will make the sauce silkier and more indulgent.

5. Herb Infusion Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the tomato-chorizo bake for an aromatic twist. These herbs can complement the basil garnish and bring a delightful freshness to the dish.