Chipotle Cheese Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

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 skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
4. 4 Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, chipotle chili powder, and smoked paprika; cook for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Mix in heavy cream and spinach; simmer until slightly thickened.
6. 6 Combine cooked rigatoni with the sausage mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. 8 Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden.
9. 9 Garnish with green onions before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Add diced bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Substitute half the Italian sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• If rigatoni isn't available, use penne or another hearty pasta.
• Use crushed red pepper for less smoky heat.

Pairings

• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra heat, add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier cutting.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairs perfectly with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.

FAQ