I’m excited to share a simple and tasty recipe for a sausage and chorizo pasta bake. It’s a great easy dinner that your family will love. This dish is easy to make and you can change it to fit your taste. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and is full of rich flavours.
This recipe uses 400g of dried pasta, 6 pork sausages, and 75g of chorizo. It also includes other ingredients to make a delicious dish. It’s perfect for those who want a healthy meal that’s easy to prepare.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This sausage and chorizo pasta bake is a comfort food dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.
- The recipe uses 400g of dried pasta shapes, 6 pork sausages, and 75g of chorizo, along with some other ingredients.
- This easy dinner recipe is perfect for home cooks who are looking for a healthy and approachable meal option.
- The dish provides a balanced nutritional profile with both protein from the chorizo and carbohydrates from the pasta.
- Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months before reheating.
- This sausage and chorizo pasta bake is a great option for a weeknight dinner, and its rich and savory flavours make it a perfect comfort food dish.
- The recipe allows for substitutions, including using Italian sausages instead of chorizo, indicating flexibility in ingredient sourcing.
Introduction to Sausage and Chorizo Pasta Bake
I love making sausage and chorizo pasta bake for my family. It’s a delicious homemade dish that’s easy to make and can be tailored to everyone’s taste. This one pot meal is ideal for a weeknight dinner, thanks to its rich and savory flavors.
Some of the benefits of making a sausage and chorizo pasta bake include:
- Easy to prepare and customize
- Can be made in under 30 minutes
- Rich and savory flavors
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner
This dish is also versatile. You can use different types of sausage and chorizo. It can be served with various sides, like a green salad or garlic bread. Overall, a sausage and chorizo pasta bake is a fantastic choice for a family favorite meal that’s both delicious and simple to make.
What Makes This Dish Special?
The mix of sausage and chorizo adds a unique flavor that’s both spicy and savory. The pasta adds a nice texture, and the sauce brings everything together. This dish is also very versatile, as it can be made with different types of sausage and chorizo, and can be served with a variety of sides.
Perfect for Family Meals
This dish is perfect for family meals because it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes. It’s also a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it can be made in under 30 minutes. The rich and savory flavors make it a family favorite, and it’s a great way to get everyone together for a delicious homemade meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausage | 8.8 ounces |
| Chorizo | 32 slices |
| Pasta | 8 ounces |
Ingredients You Will Need
To make a tasty sausage and chorizo pasta bake, you need a few important ingredients. Start by picking the right pasta, like penne or fusilli, which catches the sauce well. Choose your sausage and chorizo based on how spicy you like it. Italian sausage and Spanish chorizo are popular picks.
For more ideas on sausages and chorizos, check out eightforestlane.com. For herbs and spices, mix basil, oregano, and a bit of red pepper flakes. This adds a rich taste to your dish.
- 12.5 ounces of rigatoni pasta
- 7 ounces of spicy smoky Spanish chorizo
- 12.5 ounces of spicy Italian sausage
- Fresh herbs, such as basil and oregano
- Spices, including red pepper flakes
Quality ingredients are key for a great sausage and chorizo pasta bake. Don’t be shy to try different herbs and spices to find the best flavor.
Preparation Steps for the Bake
To start, I cook the sausages and chorizo in a pan until they’re browned and cooked. This step is key to unlocking the dish’s flavors. I use different cooking methods to get a rich, savory taste.
Then, I boil the pasta as the package says, making sure not to overcook it. Boiling pasta is a basic but important step. Here are some tips for boiling pasta:
- Use a large pot of salted water to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Check the pasta regularly to avoid overcooking.
By following these steps and using the right cooking methods, I can make a tasty sausage and chorizo pasta bake. It’s a dish that’s sure to please.
Some key ingredients in this recipe are sausage and chorizo. They add a spicy and smoky flavor. The mix of these ingredients with pasta and other components makes a hearty, flavorful meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausage | 12.5 ounces |
| Chorizo | 7 ounces |
| Pasta | 12.5 ounces |
Assembling the Bake
To make the sausage and chorizo pasta bake, layering is key. Start with pasta, then add sausage and chorizo, and top with cheese. This way, the flavors mix well and the cheese melts perfectly.
For the cheese, mix mozzarella and parmesan. Mozzarella makes it creamy, while parmesan adds a salty taste. Quality cheese is important for a great bake.
Here are some tips for assembling the bake:
- Use a combination of cheeses for the topping, such as mozzarella and parmesan.
- Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the top of the bake for extra flavor.
- Make sure to layer the ingredients in the right order, starting with pasta, then sausage and chorizo, and finishing with cheese.
By following these tips and using the right layering techniques and cheese recommendations, you’ll be able to create a delicious sausage and chorizo pasta bake that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Cook Time and Baking Instructions
When cooking the sausage and chorizo pasta bake, it’s key to follow the right baking instructions. The cook time varies based on your baking dish size and oven temperature. Always preheat your oven to an optimal baking temperature of about 190C, 170C fan, or gas mark 5.
To get your pasta bake just right, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to the optimal baking temperature.
- Put the pasta bake in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Take the bake out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
By sticking to these simple baking instructions and the right cook time, you’ll make a tasty sausage and chorizo pasta bake. It’s sure to impress your family and friends. Just remember to watch the bake while it’s in the oven. The optimal baking temperature can change based on your oven.
Sausage and Chorizo Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large frying pan
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12.5 ounces rigatoni or fusilli
- Sausage: 12.5 ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- Chorizo: 7 ounces smoky Spanish chorizo, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Tomato sauce: 1 1/2 cups
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon
- Basil: 1 teaspoon dried
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
When serving the sausage and chorizo pasta bake, think about what will make it better. A green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect match. It contrasts nicely with the pasta bake’s rich flavors. You could also try garlic bread or a caprese salad for a different taste and texture.
Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
- A green salad with a light vinaigrette
- A side of garlic bread
- A caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
- A simple salad of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
- A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts
These suggestions offer a range of options for everyone. Whether you pick one or more, they’ll make your meal complete. They highlight the delicious flavors of the sausage and chorizo pasta bake.
| Accompaniment | Description |
|---|---|
| Green salad | A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette |
| Garlic bread | A side of bread infused with garlic butter |
| Caprese salad | A salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil |
Nutritional Information
Exploring sausage and chorizo pasta bake, I see the need for nutritional information. This dish is tasty but can be high in calories and fat. Yet, we can make a healthier version that’s just as tasty.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 740 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 38g |
A typical serving has about 740 kcal, with 65g carbs, 34g protein, and 38g fat. To make it healthier, we can use leaner sausages and chorizo. We can also switch to whole wheat pasta and use less cheese.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info per serving:
Do you cook chorizo before putting it in a pasta bake?
Yes! Cooking chorizo before adding it to a pasta bake is a must. It helps release its smoky, spicy oils, which add amazing flavor to the dish. Just fry it for a few minutes until slightly crispy, then mix it into the bake.
How to make sausage and chorizo pasta?
1.Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Save some pasta water!
2.Brown the sausage and chorizo in a pan with a little oil. Chorizo releases its own fat, so don’t overdo it.
3.Sauté onions and garlic in the same pan. Add tomatoes, cream, or a sauce of your choice.
4.Toss in the cooked pasta and stir everything together. Add pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
5.Top with cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
How to cook chorizo sausage in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place whole chorizo sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For sliced chorizo, bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
How to make pasta bake?
1.Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
2.Prepare the sauce—this can be tomato-based, creamy, or cheesy.
3.Add cooked proteins like chorizo, sausage, or chicken.
4.Mix everything in a baking dish and top with cheese.
5.Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
What is the correct way to cook chorizo?
It depends on the type!
Cured chorizo (the hard, ready-to-eat kind) just needs slicing—no cooking required.
Fresh chorizo (raw, soft sausage) must be cooked fully. Fry in a pan over medium heat until browned, or bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked.
Do you fry or bake chorizo?
Both work! Frying gives it a crispy texture and releases flavorful oils—perfect for pasta and tacos. Baking is great for whole sausages, giving them a juicy bite with a slightly crispy exterior.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The sausage and chorizo pasta bake is a tasty dish that lets you try new flavors. Feel free to add different veggies like roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach. You can also adjust the spice by mixing mild and spicy chorizo.
If you’ve made this dish and have tips, please share them. Leave a comment below with your favorite twists or substitutions. It’s fun to find new ways to make a classic recipe your own.
Thanks for joining me in the kitchen. I hope this easy recipe has inspired you to add more flavor to your meals. Don’t be afraid to try other tasty recipes on our site.