Sausage Pesto Cheese Baked Cavatappi
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
8
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Author:
3 Farm Daughters
A hearty dish that combines savory Italian sausage, aromatic basil pesto, and creamy cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 shallot, chopped
1 lb ground Italian sausage (sub spicy Italian for added kick)
4 cloves garlic, grated
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
½ cup vodka
¾ cup basil pesto
kosher salt and pepper
12 oz 3 Farm Daughters cavatappi
2 cups shredded fontina cheese
8 oz mozzarella, shredded
Directions
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 sausage and brown through, about 8 min. Stir in the garlic, cook another minute. Slowly add the tomatoes, vodka, 1/2 cup pesto, oregano, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Then add 2 1/2 cups water, and the pasta. Increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
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. Enjoy!
