Easy Quinoa Rotini Pasta & Vegan Chorizo Recipe

Easy pasta recipes are the best. This easy chorizo pasta recipe is highly customizable and perfect for the whole family. This one is a great way to make if your'e short on time and ingredients. It’s so simple making it open to additions of your choice and a starting point for many possibilities.

This dish combines the bold flavors of rotini pasta and vegan chorizo to create a meal that is both flavorful and hearty. Perfect for lunch or dinner, can be made ahead of time on busy weeknights. Whether you're a vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's dive in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why you'll fall in love with this Rotini and Vegan Chorizo recipe. First and foremost, the flavors are absolutely incredible. The combination of the smoky flavor from the chorizo and the perfectly cooked rotini pasta creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners. Lastly, it's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen. This is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, you'll need the following ingredients easily found in your local grocery store

Vegan Chorizo: Vegan chorizo is a plant-based version of the traditional spicy sausage. It is typically made from a combination of ingredients like textured vegetable protein, spices, and seasonings. It provides a flavorful and protein-rich addition to dishes.

Bell Pepper: Bell peppers come in different colors, including red, green, yellow, and orange. They are crunchy and have a slightly sweet taste. Bell peppers add color, texture, and a mild flavor to dishes.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dried in the sun or through a dehydration process. They have an intense, concentrated flavor and a chewy texture. Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich and tangy taste to recipes.

Vegan Parmesan: Vegan Parmesan is a dairy-free alternative to traditional Parmesan cheese. It is typically made from ingredients like nutritional yeast, nuts, and seasonings. Vegan Parmesan adds a cheesy and savory flavor to dishes.

Leeks - adds a lot of aromatic and a little sweetness to the mix.

Steps

 

• • Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Cook for 10 minutes in salted water. Make sure to run it on cold water for an al dente pasta texture.

• • While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and cook the vegan chorizo until it's nicely browned and flavorful.

• • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a large mixing bowl and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

• • Add the cooked vegan chorizo to the bowl with the pasta and toss gently to combine along with the sun dried tomatoes.

• • Add sautéed bell peppers or canned roasted bell peppers, sauteed onions & leeks for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

• • Serve the Rotini and Vegan Chorizo hot, garnished with fresh herbs or vegan cheese for much flavor.

Variations

Certainly! Here are some variations you can try for the quinoa rotini and vegan chorizo recipe:

• • Spicy Southwest: Add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick. You can also include corn, black beans, and cilantro for a southwestern twist.

• • Mediterranean Delight: Incorporate ingredients like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, baby spinach and fresh basil or parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

• • Creamy Chorizo Pasta: Create a creamy sauce by sautéing minced garlic in vegan butter or olive oil. Add a splash of plant-based cream or non-dairy milk and simmer until thickened. Toss the cooked quinoa rotini and vegan chorizo in the creamy garlic sauce for a rich and indulgent variation.

• • Smoky BBQ: Mix in your favorite vegan BBQ sauce to give the dish a smoky and tangy flavor. You can also add some diced red onion and smoked paprika, chilli flakes and fresh parsley for extra depth.

• • Pesto Paradise: A simple pasta dish that will surely satisfy. Stir in some vegan pesto sauce to coat the quinoa rotini and vegan chorizo. Add some sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh basil for a vibrant and herbaceous variation.

• • Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some vegan shredded cheese or melt some vegan cheese on top of the cooked quinoa rotini and vegan chorizo. Place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe with your favorite flavors and ingredients. These variations can add a new twist to the dish and make it even more enjoyable.

Substitutions

• • Quinoa Rotini: If you don't have quinoa rotini, you can substitute it with any other type of pasta, such as regular wheat-based pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato noodles.

• • Vegan Chorizo: If you don't have vegan chorizo, you can substitute it with other plant-based protein options like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can season it with spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder to mimic the flavors of chorizo.

• • Bell Pepper: If you don't have bell peppers, you can substitute them with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. These vegetables will add a similar texture and flavor to the dish.

• • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. These alternatives will provide a burst of flavor and color to the dish.

• • Vegan Parmesan: If you don't have vegan Parmesan, you can substitute it with nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy and nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can use vegan shredded cheese or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs and spices.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and in big batch?
A: While it's best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Yes you can make this in big batches too, just make sure it is seasoned well.

Q: Can I freeze the Rotini and Vegan Chorizo?
A: Due to the nature of pasta, it may not freeze well as the texture can become mushy upon thawing. We recommend enjoying this dish fresh or storing leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days.

Q: Can I use regular pasta instead of quinoa rotini?

A: Yes, you can definitely use regular pasta instead of quinoa rotini. Choose your preferred type of pasta, whether it's wheat-based, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based noodles.

Q: Can I use a different type of vegan protein instead of chorizo?

A: Absolutely! If you don't have vegan chorizo, you can substitute it with other plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Season them with spices to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes. Sweet cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes can provide a juicy and fresh element to the dish.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as the vegan chorizo and vegan Parmesan, are also gluten-free.

Q: Can I add additional vegetables or herbs to the recipe?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any additional vegetables or herbs that you enjoy. You can customize the recipe by incorporating ingredients like spinach, kale, basil, or parsley to enhance the flavors and add nutritional value.

There you have it - a flavorful and hearty recipe for Rotini and Vegan Chorizo. Another addition to your list of easy dinners. This dish is packed with bold flavors, easy to prepare, and highly customizable. Whether you're a vegan or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. Enjoy!