Chipotle Cheese Ham Rigatoni Bake

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb cooked ham, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp chipotle chili pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, ham, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
4. 4 In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk, chipotle chili, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5 Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to coat evenly.
6. 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
8. 8 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Oven

Variations

• Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
• Substitute diced green chiles for diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Substitutions

• If you can't find chipotle peppers, use 1 tsp of smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
• Use penne or elbow macaroni in place of rigatoni.

Pairings

• A crisp lager or a glass of zinfandel complements this dish.
• Finish with a light citrus dessert to balance the richness.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add more chipotle chili pepper.
• This bake tastes even better the next day!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh avocado slices or a simple green salad.
• Pairs well with warm cornbread.

FAQ