Vegan Chorizo Pasta Bake Recipe

I absolutely adore this Vegan Chorizo Pasta Bake because it combines hearty comfort with a plant-based spin, making it both satisfying and guilt-free. Plus, the smoky paprika and zesty vegan chorizo create such a vibrant flavor party that it’s hard to believe it’s not a cheat meal!

I enjoy making meals that are not only nutritious but also hearty, so this Vegan Chorizo Pasta Bake is right up my alley. It is loaded with protein from the plant-based chorizo, and it gets a ton of nutrients from the red bell pepper and tomatoes.

The dish also happens to be quite tasty, combining the flavors of smoked paprika and garlic with the kind of comforting flavors one associates with pasta and cheese.

Ingredients

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• Penne Pasta: A good source of carbohydrates for energy, with fiber for digestion.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, rich in antioxidants; supports heart health.
• Onion: Adds flavor and depth; contains vitamin C and beneficial compounds.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor; known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamin C, adds sweetness and color to the dish.
• Vegan Chorizo: Provides protein with spicy, smoky flavor; plant-based meat alternative.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds rich smoky flavor; packed with antioxidants.
• Diced Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C and lycopene; adds acidity and richness.
• Vegan Cheese: Dairy-free cheesy flavor; often lower in saturated fat than dairy cheese.

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Ingredient Quantities

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• 250g penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 200g vegan chorizo, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 100ml vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 150g vegan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to heat up.

2. Prepare the penne pasta as per the instructions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture; then, drain it and place it to the side.

3. In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm olive oil. Incorporate the onion, chopped, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened.

4. Put the skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Mix in the vegan chorizo and smoked paprika, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the chorizo starts to brown.

6. Add the vegetable stock, along with the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Don’t forget the dried oregano. Do season with salt and pepper to taste. And let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, you can enjoy your certain-taste-good-tomato soup!

7. Mix the cooked pasta with the chorizo and tomato sauce in the skillet. Stir well until the pasta is coated evenly.

8. Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the grated vegan cheese on top.

9. Bake in the oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

10. Take out of the oven, add fresh basil leaves as garnish, and serve immediately. Your Vegan Chorizo Pasta Bake is now ready to enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Strainer
4. Large skillet
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cup
10. Can opener
11. Baking dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?A: In the affirmative, you may replace penne with any of your desired short pastas, like rigatoni or fusilli. Just alter the cooking time as necessary.
• Q: Is there a substitute for vegan chorizo?A. Any other vegan sausage or even cubed tofu can be used for a different flavor and texture.
• Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?Ensure that the pasta is gluten-free, the vegan chorizo is gluten-free, and all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta in advance. Combine them and add the cheese just before baking.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?You can use standard paprika, but for a truly barbecued taste, add about a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the ingredients.
• Q: Can the vegan cheese be omitted or replaced?A: Omit the cheese for a lighter dish, or use nutritional yeast to retain that “cheesy” flavor without adding a cheese substitute.

Substitutions and Variations

If required, substitute gluten-free pasta for the penne. Apart from this, the following ingredients can be used without any restrictions:
Instead of using olive oil, use sunflower oil for a neutral flavor.
Replace red bell pepper with yellow bell pepper for a less intense flavor.
Replace vegan chorizo with crumbled firm tofu mixed with smoked paprika and chili powder.
Instead of vegan cheese, use nutritional yeast for a flavor that’s cheesy and nutrient dense.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor with a Splash of Wine: Before adding the diced tomatoes and vegetable stock, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine. This will add depth to your sauce.