A small-batch chicken rigatoni bake for the cozy nights you want something warm, simple, and a little bit special. Tender pasta, seasoned ground chicken, rich tomato sauce, and the perfect melt of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Baked in your favorite little Dutch oven, this is effortless comfort with an elegant twist. Pour a glass of wine, serve it straight from the pot, and enjoy a comforting classic that feels beautifully homemade yet quietly luxurious.
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven 1.5 qt
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dry rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce your favorite marinara or plain tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente bout 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in your small Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart gently with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine with the chicken, letting it warm through for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the Dutch oven. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce and chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top, making sure every bite will have a cheesy pull.
- Cover with the Dutch oven lid and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, uncover, and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Spoon into shallow bowls, cozy up, and enjoy every melty bite.
Video
Notes
Use a high-quality block cheese and shred it yourself for the creamiest melt. It makes all the difference.
Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or basil to the sauce for a subtle, vibrant twist.
Serve straight from the Dutch oven at the table for an intimate, effortless presentation that feels special.