"Cheesy Bacon, Chipotle, and Tomato Rigatoni is a rich and hearty baked pasta dish that combines smoky chipotle peppers, crispy bacon, and a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with a golden, melted cheese crust for a comforting and flavor-packed meal."
Cheesy Bacon, Chipotle, and Tomato Rigatoni
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Prep time: 15mins
Cook time: 45mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 16 ounces rigatoni
- 8 slices of chopped bacon
- 3 rehydrated and chopped roughly chipotle peppers
- 1 medium diced onion
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
- to tatse salt and ground black pepper
Method
Step 1
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2
Rehydrate Chipotle Peppers: Place the dried chipotle peppers in a bowl and cover them with very hot water. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes until they become soft. Drain and finely chop them.
Step 3
Prepare Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4
Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 5
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped dried chipotle peppers. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6
Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes – and their juice – into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let them begin to cook down for about 5 minutes.
Step 7
Add Basil, Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream, half of the grated cheese, and most of the basil. Mix until well combined and the cheese has melted. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Step 8
Combine with Pasta and Bacon: In the skillet or a large bowl, add the cooked rigatoni and crispy bacon to the cheesy tomato and chipotle mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 9
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 10
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 11
Serve: Serve the baked pasta hot. Garnish with any remaining fresh basil if desired.