Ricotta Pesto Pasta Bake with Sausage and Kale

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Ricotta Pesto Pasta Bake with Sausage and Kale.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   While that warms up, grab a 9x13-inch casserole dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Step 3

   In a large pot, bring some lightly salted water to a rolling boil.

4. Step 4

   Toss in the rigatoni and let it cook for about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Step 5

   You want it to be al dente, so it should still have a little bite to it.

6. Step 6

   Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to save about half a cup of that starchy cooking water for later.

7. Step 7

   Set the pasta aside and let it rest.

8. Step 8

   While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

9. Step 9

   Add the Italian sausage and cook it, stirring frequently, until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

10. Step 10

    Once it’s cooked, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the flavorful grease in the pan.

11. Step 11

    In that same skillet, if it looks a bit dry, add a splash of oil and toss in the diced onion.

12. Step 12

    Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

13. Step 13

    Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

14. Step 14

    Now, stir in the chopped kale, a pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

15. Step 15

    Pour in some white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.

16. Step 16

    Cook this mixture until the kale is tender, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

17. Step 17

    Once the kale is ready, return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

18. Step 18

    Add in the creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant pesto, and 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella.

19. Step 19

    Gently mix in the reserved pasta and that starchy cooking water, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

20. Step 20

    Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

21. Step 21

    Cover the dish with foil to keep everything nice and moist.

22. Step 22

    Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes.

23. Step 23

    After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn a lovely golden brown.

24. Step 24

    Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

25. Step 25

    This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

26. Step 26

    Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!.