One Pot Spicy Pizza Pasta

OMG!  This was so delicious and ready in just about an hour! The flavors were very pronounced and so tasty.

Went searching for something new to make on Sunday and found an incredible one pot pasta dish that had the flavors of a Pepperoni Pizza, with 3 kinds of cheese, poultry sausage and a ton of flavors.  The picture that @Halfbakedharvest had on Instagram pulled me right in to give this a try. Our daughter was coming for dinner and  laundry, and with it being so cold here I wanted something warm and flavorful.  This did not disappoint.  If you make any recipe I have posted make sure you try this one soon.

One Pot Spicy alla Vodka Pizza Pasta 

From @HalfBakedHarvest

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage (optional)

4 cloves garlic minced or grated

1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1-2 teaspoons fennel seeds use to your taste

1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

kosher salt and black pepper

3 cups marinara sauce

1/2 cup vodka (chicken broth or water also work)

1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought

1 pound dry short cut pasta

2 cups shredded fontina cheese

8 ounces mozzarella, torn

1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese

3 ounces pepperoni sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken sausage (if using) and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, fennel, and chili flakes, cook another 3-5 minutes, until very fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, vodka, pesto, 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 8-10 minutes. 

If needed, transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Top with the cheeses, then pepperoni. Sprinkle the basil over top.

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. Serve with fresh rosemary. Enjoy!