Cheesy Pesto Rigatoni: One-Pot Wonder!
Pesto Rigatoni: enjoy this spicy one-pot baked pasta with chicken sausage. A comforting, cheesy meal ready for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 chopped shallot
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shallot and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken sausage and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cook another minute. Slowly add the tomatoes, vodka, 1/2 cup pesto, oregano, rosemary, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Then add 2 1/2 cups water, the pasta, and kale. Increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- If needed, transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Top with the fontina cheese, then drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup basil pesto evenly over everything. Add the mozzarella.
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned on top. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh rosemary. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor in your pesto rigatoni, ensure your chicken sausage is well-browned before adding other liquids; this creates a rich fond at the bottom of the pot.
- If you prefer a milder dish, use sweet Italian chicken sausage instead of spicy, or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
- For food safety, ensure ground chicken sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- If you prefer a milder dish, use sweet Italian chicken sausage instead of spicy, or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
- For food safety, ensure ground chicken sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.