This Easy Spanish Chorizo and Tomato Pasta Bake is a delicious recipe for a wonderful dinner. With just a few ingredients, this easy meal will become a favorite. Pasta baked in a delicious tomato sauce with cheese and Spanish chorizo is all you need for a comforting dinner on a cold night.
This recipe is part of my growing collection of side dishes. Among them, baked pasta dishes are always a great way to feed a family on a low budget. Check out this Easy Baked Pumpkin Mac And Cheese, or this Easy No-Boil Mac And Cheese. Baked Mac And Cheese With Ham is another dish to make if you are looking for a one pan meal.
Jump to:
Why you will love this recipe
Who doesn't love pasta? Easy to make and incredibly versatile, pasta dishes are a staple for those of us who adore comfort food. And when it comes to comforting pasta dishes, this easy chorizo pasta recipe is a standout. This dish is not just a meal but a delightful journey to Spain with its rich flavors and simplicity.
- Cultural Experience: Originating in Spain, this very traditional dish, known as 'Macarrones Con Chorizo y Tomate,' gained popularity after the Civil War. Some international authors have named it 'Macarrones a la Espanola.' For me, the best part about this simple pasta dish is its ability to transport you to Spain with just a taste. It's not just a meal but an experience that takes you and the whole family on a journey through its rich flavors and simplicity.
- Simplicity, Affordability, and Accessibility: This dish's charm lies in its simplicity, combining garlic, oregano, basil, chorizo, and tomato sauce. Popular among the youth for its affordable, accessible ingredients, it's a common sight in school cafeterias and budget-friendly Spanish restaurants. Traditionally topped with shredded Manchego cheese, it gains an extra layer of flavor, making it deliciously irresistible.
- Family-Friendly& Great for Leftovers: It's an easy way to feed a large family with minimal effort on busy weeknights. And let's not forget about the leftovers – they make a perfect lunch the next day, especially when accompanied by a fresh salad.
- Versatility: Don't hesitate to get creative with this recipe. If you don't have Spanish chorizo, try substituting it with mild Italian sausage or spicy Mexican chorizo. It's all about making the recipe your own and enjoying the process of cooking something truly comforting.
Check out my other Spanish recipes, like this Carne Con Tomate (Meat in Tomato Sauce) or this Spanish Orange-Almond Flan Recipe- A Magic Gluten-Free Dessert.
Key Ingredients
A full list of ingredients can be found at the end of this article in a printable recipe card. This recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
- Sausage: The traditional recipe is made with good quality Spanish chorizo sausage. This type of sausage is cured and flavored with Spanish paprika. It has a smoky flavor that makes it delicious. However, this recipe is versatile if you can't find Spanish chorizo, so go for mild Italian sausage, Kielbasa, or fresh sausages. Smoked Andouille or Mexican chorizo are great possibilities for a spicy sausage pasta bake recipe.
- Pasta: It could be any type of pasta shape you like. There are no rules here. I used Penne, Rotini, Elbows, etc.
- Cheese: I used all kinds of cheese in the past, as I make this dish quite often. Manchego cheese is the traditionally used one, but other types of cheese are perfectly acceptable. Cheddar or a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and other cheese works as well.
- Tomato sauce: I like using plain tomato sauce, as I prefer using my own spices and controlling the salt in the recipe. You can also use tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes.
- Garlic and onion: these flavor the sauce and also the pasta. I used regular onion, but red onion or even green are perfect to use.
- Seasoning: The seasoning includes salt and pepper, oregano, and fresh basil (or dried). If you prefer Italian herbs or seasoning, go for it.
How to make this Spicy Chorizo Pasta
Make sure you check the bottom of the article for the full recipe.
Step 1. Oven Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2. Cook Chorizo and Sauté Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, start by cooking the sliced Spanish chorizo (or your preferred sausage). Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it's slightly browned and aromatic. Add the chopped onion and the crushed garlic cloves to the skillet. Continue to sauté until the onion becomes transparent, allowing the flavors of the chorizo to infuse into the onion.(Images1&2nd )
Step 3. Add Sauce Ingredients: To the skillet, incorporate the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), oregano, basil, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir well and allow this mixture to simmer for about a minute, letting the flavors meld. (Images 3& 4)
Step 4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the rotini or penne pasta as per the instructions on the package, in salted water. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once you have the cooked pasta, drain it and add the tomato and chorizo sauce to it. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. (Images 5&6)
Step 6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese (Manchego, parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice) over the pasta. (Images 7&8)
Step 7. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until you see the cheese melted and bubbly, with a golden-brown hue around the edges.
Expert Tips
- Pasta Cooking: Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy after baking.
- Herb Freshness: If available, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh oregano and basil can elevate the flavor profile with their vibrant, aromatic qualities.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta during baking. The goal is for the cheese to be melted and slightly golden but not burnt.
- Resting the Dish: Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the pasta to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Storage instructions
Store your Easy Spanish Chorizo and Tomato Pasta Bake in an airtight container after cooling to room temperature. It makes a convenient option for an easy weeknight meal over the next 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Recipe Faqs
A good idea is to serve it as a main course with a glass of white wine. You can also make a fresh green salad and serve it with it.
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting from cold.
More Recipe Ideas For Pasta
📖 Recipe
Easy Spanish Chorizo and Tomato Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 chopped onion
- 4-5 Tablespoons olive oil
- 9 ounces Spanish Chorizo or any kind of sausage you like
- 1 14 ounces can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta or penne
- 2 cups shredded cheese(Manchego, parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar etc)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
- Place a medium-sized skillet on high heat on the stove, and add oil to the pan.
- Add the onion and sauté until transparent. Add the sliced Spanish chorizo to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper to taste and let them simmer for a minute.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water. Add the drained pasta to the tomato and chorizo mixture.
- Transfer the pasta with the sauce to a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the pasta.
- Finally, bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the edges turn bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Sausage Selection: Spanish chorizo adds traditional flavor, but you can use any sausage you like. For a vegetarian option, consider a plant-based sausage.
- Cheese Choices: Manchego cheese is traditional, but feel free to use Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar for different flavors and textures.
- Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to bake in the oven.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if starting from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
gabbau3 says
Thank you, Clarissa! I hope you will enjoy making it too! Thank you for your visit!