Spicy Vegan Chorizo Pasta

Featured in: Cozy Pasta Recipes

This dish blends rigatoni with spicy vegan chorizo and sautéed vegetables, simmered in a smoky tomato sauce with smoked paprika and cumin. The mix is topped with vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast, baked to golden perfection for a hearty, plant-based comfort meal. Fresh parsley adds brightness, and the bake pairs well with crisp salads or chilled rosé. Ideal for cozy dinners and a tasty fusion of Italian and Spanish flavors.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:41:00 GMT
A bubbling dish of Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta with a melted vegan mozzarella topping. Save
A bubbling dish of Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta with a melted vegan mozzarella topping. | basilhearth.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 pasta has become a family favorite, bringing warmth and spice to our dinner table on cozy evenings.

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℃ (400℉).
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.
Save
| basilhearth.com

This dish always brings us together, sharing spicy warmth and comforting flavors that satisfy everyone.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 480, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 66 g, Protein 19 g per serving.

This flavorful Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta shows creamy tomato sauce and perfectly browned chorizo. Save
This flavorful Spicy Vegan Chorizo Baked Pasta shows creamy tomato sauce and perfectly browned chorizo. | basilhearth.com

Enjoy this spicy vegan pasta bake as a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will love.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes for this dish?

Yes, rigatoni or penne are recommended, but other tube-shaped pastas like penne rigate or ziti work well to hold the sauce.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify chili flakes to taste or add diced jalapeños to increase heat without overpowering the other flavors.

What vegetables complement this dish?

Red bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions are great, but eggplant or mushrooms can also enhance the texture and taste.

Is there a recommended bake time?

Bake for 15-20 minutes until topped with melted vegan mozzarella is golden and bubbling for the best texture.

What wine pairs well with this pasta bake?

A chilled Spanish rosé complements the smoky spices and richness of the dish nicely.

Spicy Vegan Chorizo Pasta

Flavor-packed pasta bake featuring spicy vegan chorizo, roasted vegetables and creamy tomato sauce.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Total Duration
55 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Cozy Pasta Recipes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Fusion (Italian/Spanish-inspired)

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 12.35 oz dried rigatoni or penne
02 Salt, as needed 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 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

01 1.69 cups passata (strained tomatoes)
02 2 tablespoons tomato paste
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, adjust to taste
05 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping

01 2.12 oz vegan mozzarella, grated
02 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
03 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni or penne until just al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine pasta and chorizo: Add cooked pasta and browned vegan chorizo to the skillet. Toss to combine thoroughly with the sauce.

Step 07

Assemble in baking dish: Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Evenly sprinkle with grated vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish (approximately 8 x 12 inches)
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Grater

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from pasta and soy commonly present in vegan chorizo and cheese alternatives. Check labels for traces of nuts or other allergens.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 480
  • Fat content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 66 grams
  • Protein Amount: 19 grams