Spicy Vegan Chorizo Pasta

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This vibrant baked dish combines spicy vegan chorizo with tender rigatoni and sautéed vegetables, all smothered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Infused with smoked paprika, chili flakes, and herbs, it is baked until golden with a melted vegan cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting plant-based meal, it offers bold flavors and hearty textures that satisfy cravings with fresh garnish options like parsley. Serve warm alongside crisp greens or crusty bread for a complete fusion-inspired delight.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:05:00 GMT
Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta, bubbling with melted vegan mozzarella, is a comforting, flavorful Italian-Spanish fusion. Save
Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta, bubbling with melted vegan mozzarella, is a comforting, flavorful Italian-Spanish fusion. | smokyfeast.com

A hearty, flavor-packed pasta bake featuring spicy vegan chorizo, roasted vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting plant-based meal.

This spicy vegan chorizo baked pasta quickly became a family favorite thanks to its bold flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g dried rigatoni or penne, salt for boiling
  • Vegan Chorizo & Vegetables: 250 g vegan chorizo sliced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 zucchini diced, 1 small red onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sauce: 500 ml passata (sieved tomatoes), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt and black pepper to taste
  • Topping: 60 g vegan mozzarella grated, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F)
Step 2:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook the pasta until just al dente (2 minutes less than package instructions) Drain and set aside
Step 3:
While pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add vegan chorizo slices and cook for 3 4 minutes until browned Remove and set aside
Step 4:
In the same skillet add onion garlic bell pepper and zucchini Sauté for 5 7 minutes until softened
Step 5:
Stir in passata tomato paste smoked paprika chili flakes oregano cumin salt and pepper Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld
Step 6:
Add the cooked pasta and vegan chorizo to the sauce Toss everything together until well combined
Step 7:
Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish Sprinkle with vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast
Step 8:
Bake for 15 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling
Step 9:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
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This recipe always brings everyone together at the table, sharing stories over warm, delicious pasta.

Notes

For extra heat add more chili flakes or a diced jalapeño Substitute other vegetables such as eggplant or mushrooms as desired Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread Pairs well with a chilled Spanish rosé or sparkling water with lemon

Required Tools

Large pot Colander Large skillet Baking dish approx 20x30 cm Knife and chopping board Grater

Allergen Information

Contains Gluten from pasta Soy commonly found in vegan chorizo and cheese Check labels for traces of nuts or other allergens in vegan chorizo and cheese

A close-up of a Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta shows the perfectly baked, golden-brown crust and rich tomato sauce. Save
A close-up of a Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta shows the perfectly baked, golden-brown crust and rich tomato sauce. | smokyfeast.com

This spicy vegan chorizo baked pasta is a perfect weeknight meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Kitchen Questions

How can I add more heat to this dish?

Increase the chili flakes or add diced jalapeño peppers during the sauce preparation for extra spiciness.

What pasta types work best here?

Short tubular pastas like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce and baked toppings well, providing the ideal texture.

Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms can be used to vary the flavors and textures according to preference.

How do I achieve a golden top layer?

Sprinkle grated vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast evenly over the dish before baking at 200°C for 15–20 minutes.

What side dishes complement this bake?

Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread or enjoy with a chilled Spanish rosé or sparkling lemon water.

Spicy Vegan Chorizo Pasta

Flavorful pasta bake with spicy vegan chorizo, roasted vegetables, and creamy tomato sauce for a satisfying plant-based dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Medium

Heritage Fusion (Italian/Spanish-inspired)

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 12.3 oz dried rigatoni or penne
02 Salt, for boiling water

Vegan Chorizo & Vegetables

01 8.8 oz vegan chorizo, sliced
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 1 medium zucchini, diced
04 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

01 1.7 cups passata (strained tomatoes)
02 2 tbsp tomato paste
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
05 1 tsp dried oregano
06 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping

01 2.1 oz vegan mozzarella, grated
02 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
03 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Phase 02

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until slightly under al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Phase 03

Brown vegan chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add vegan chorizo slices and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Phase 04

Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.

Phase 05

Combine sauce ingredients: Stir in passata, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili flakes, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.

Phase 06

Mix pasta and chorizo: Add the cooked pasta and vegan chorizo back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly.

Phase 07

Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the mixture into a lightly oiled baking dish. Evenly sprinkle grated vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast on top.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.

Phase 09

Rest and garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • 20x30 cm baking dish
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Grater

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains gluten from pasta
  • May contain soy present in vegan chorizo and cheese
  • Check labels for traces of nuts or other allergens in vegan products

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Proteins: 19 g