Spicy Chorizo, Roasted Pepper & Eggplant Pasta Bake
Savor the rich flavors of this Spicy Chorizo, Roasted Pepper & Eggplant Pasta Bake, a delightful one-dish meal that brings together the smoky essence of chorizo, the sweetness of roasted red peppers, and the hearty texture of eggplant. Coated in a savory tomato sauce and topped with melting mozzarella and crispy parmesan, this bake is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it alongside a fresh salad and crusty Italian bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chorizo sausage
7 ounces (sliced)
Red peppers
2 large (deseeded and sliced)
Eggplant
1 (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Garlic clove
1 (peeled and chopped)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Artificial sweetener
2 teaspoons
Chopped tomatoes
14 ounces
Basil
1 tablespoon (torn)
Penne pasta
14 ounces
Mozzarella cheese
5 ounces (cut into cubes)
Parmesan cheese
4 ounces (grated)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large frying pan, cook the sliced chorizo sausage over medium heat for about 2 minutes or until it is golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chorizo to a bowl, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.
3
In the same pan, add the sliced red peppers and cubed eggplant. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are golden around the edges.
4
Add the chopped garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
5
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and artificial sweetener, stirring the mixture until it bubbles and reduces slightly.
6
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes and torn basil, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7
While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
8
Combine the pasta with the sauce and cubes of mozzarella, mixing everything together until well combined.
9
Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve hot, accompanied by a large mixed salad and slices of crusty Italian bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this pasta bake?
The main protein in this recipe is 7 ounces of sliced chorizo sausage.
Which vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish features 2 large red peppers and 1 whole eggplant cut into 1-inch cubes.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pasta.
How should the chorizo be prepared?
The chorizo should be sliced and cooked in a large frying pan for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
Should I drain the oil after cooking the chorizo?
No, you should use a slotted spoon to remove the chorizo but leave the flavorful oil in the pan to cook the vegetables.
How long do the eggplant and peppers need to cook?
Cook the sliced red peppers and cubed eggplant over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes until golden around the edges.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the peeled and chopped garlic after the vegetables have cooked for 10 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
What role does balsamic vinegar play in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are added and reduced to create a tangy base for the sauce.
Why is artificial sweetener used in this pasta bake?
Two teaspoons of artificial sweetener are included to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.
What kind of tomatoes are best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
What type of pasta is recommended?
14 ounces of penne pasta is the recommended shape for this bake.
How do I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What cheeses are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 ounces of cubed mozzarella and 4 ounces of grated parmesan cheese.
When is the mozzarella added?
The mozzarella cubes are mixed directly with the cooked pasta and sauce before the mixture is transferred to the baking dish.
Where does the parmesan cheese go?
The grated parmesan is sprinkled evenly over the top of the pasta mixture once it is in the baking dish.
How long does the pasta bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the bake is ready to serve?
The bake is ready when the cheese on top has melted and turned a golden color.
What herbs are used to flavor the sauce?
One tablespoon of torn fresh basil is incorporated into the tomato sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, the use of chorizo sausage gives this pasta bake a spicy and smoky flavor profile.
What should I serve with this pasta bake?
It is best served hot with a large mixed salad and slices of crusty Italian bread.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a hearty texture.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta bake is an excellent option for meal prep as it reheats well.
What size should the red pepper slices be?
The peppers should be deseeded and sliced into strips before being cooked in the pan.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires one large garlic clove, peeled and chopped.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly while baking in the sauce.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to properly season the penne.
What type of dish should I use for the final step?
You should use a large oven-safe baking dish to house the pasta mixture.
Can I substitute the sweetener with regular sugar?
While the recipe specifies artificial sweetener, you can typically use a similar amount of sugar to achieve the same balance.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal as the ingredients are combined and baked together in a single dish.
What is the flavor profile of this bake?
The flavor profile is smoky from the chorizo, sweet from the roasted peppers, and savory from the tomato and cheese blend.