The first time I made this One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni Recipe, I couldn’t get over how incredible it smelled while baking. The luxurious aroma of spicy tomato pesto sauce mingled with melting cheese felt downright irresistible!

Everything came together so effortlessly in just one pot, and cleanup? Practically nonexistent. This dish is rich, hearty, and layered with bold flavors that had everyone in my family reaching for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s a list of simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this dish extraordinary:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (perfect for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering the dish)
1 shallot, chopped (adds a sweet, mild onion flavor)
¾ lb ground spicy Italian chicken sausage (brings bold, rich spice to the sauce)
4 garlic cloves, minced (packs an aromatic, savory punch)
2 cans (28 oz each) of crushed San Marzano tomatoes (a must for that authentic sweet and tangy tomato base)
½ cup vodka or chicken broth (vodka adds depth, but broth works great if you’d rather skip alcohol)
¾ cup basil pesto (injects freshness and herbaceous flavor)
2 tsp dried oregano (classic Italian herb for warmth and depth)
1 tsp dried rosemary (earthy and fragrant, a little goes a long way)
Salt and pepper to taste (season everything to your personal preference)
1 lb dry rigatoni pasta (rigatoni holds the sauce perfectly with its ridged surface)
2 cups shredded kale (sneaks in a healthy dose of greens)
2 cups shredded fontina cheese (melts smooth and adds creaminess)
8 oz mozzarella, torn (moist and gooey, making it extra cheesy)

Note: This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, ideal for family dinners or packing leftovers for the week.

How You Can Customize This Dish?

If you’re interested in making this your own, here are a few fun variations:

Make It Mild: Swap the spicy Italian sausage for plain ground chicken or turkey to keep it milder.
Vegetarian Twist: Drop the meat and load up on roasted mushrooms or eggplants. They beautifully soak up the sauce.
Switch the Cheese: Experiment with Gruyère for creaminess or Feta for a sharper, tangy twist.

Cooking Time Simplified

This dish comes together quickly and is oven-ready in no time! Here’s the breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Prepare these tools before you start to make the process smooth and stress-free:

Large Pot: Handles everything from sauce to pasta cooking, all in one place.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce and breaking up the sausage.
Baking Dish (optional): For transferring the dish if your pot isn’t oven-safe.

How to Make One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni?

This one-pot recipe keeps things simple yet delicious. Follow these steps to make it at home!

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped shallot until softened and fragrant. Add the chicken sausage, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook for 5–8 minutes until browned. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Pour the crushed San Marzano tomatoes into the pot and follow with the vodka or chicken broth. Stir in the pesto, oregano, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Lower the heat and simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook Rigatoni and Add Greens

Add 2½ cups of water directly to the sauce, then stir in the uncooked rigatoni and shredded kale. Increase the heat to bring it all to a boil, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Cook until the rigatoni is just al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Once the pasta is tender, mix in half of the shredded fontina cheese until melted and creamy. If your pot is oven-safe, spread the remaining fontina, torn mozzarella, and extra dollops of pesto on top. Otherwise, transfer everything to a greased baking dish before adding the cheeses.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake your dish uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden with a crunchy, crispy top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or basil and serve it hot!

Tips for Even Better Results

After making this, here are a few tricks I’ve discovered to enhance the recipe experience:

Use High-Quality Rigatoni: It makes all the difference in how well the pasta holds the sauce.
Layer the Cheese: Mixing some cheese into the pasta creates a gooey interior while topping it provides that irresistible golden crust.
Simmer the Vodka Well: If using vodka, be sure it cooks long enough for the alcohol to evaporate, leaving just flavor behind.

How to Serve One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni?

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile in how you can plate it!

Rustic Family Dinner: Serve it directly from the pot at the table with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for flair.
Italian Feast: Pair with Caesar salad, warm garlic bread, and your favorite white wine for a complete meal.
Casual Comfort Night: Enjoy it straight from the pot with a glass of sparkling water and minimal fuss.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Here’s a quick peek at the nutrients you’re enjoying in every cheesy bite:

Calories: 668
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 35g

Make Ahead and Storage Solutions

This dish is perfect for meal prepping or saving for later!

Refrigeration

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the dish without baking, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This one-pot wonder will quickly become a staple in your home. Here’s why:

Convenient: Everything cooks in one pot, saving you time and energy.
Bold in Flavor: Spicy sausage, pesto, and melty cheese create mouthwatering layers of taste.
Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to make it yours.
Great for Meal Prep: Easily make ahead and reheat for busy weeknights.

This One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni is everything you want in comfort food. It’s simple, hearty, and absolutely unforgettable. Your kitchen will smell wonderful, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!