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A delicious, cheesy cavatini dish featuring layers of pasta, savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

What Is Cavatini Made Of?

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Cavatini is a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish made with a combination of pasta varieties, a rich tomato-based sauce, flavorful meats, and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this dish is hearty, customizable, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

  • Pasta:

    • 1 cup rotini

    • 1 cup rigatoni

    • 1 cup elbow macaroni

  • Meat:

    • 1/2 lb ground beef

    • 1/2 lb Italian sausage

    • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

  • Sauce:

    • 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce

    • 2 tbsp tomato paste

    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

    • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Vegetables:

    • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers

    • 1/2 cup chopped onions

    • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

  • Cheese:

    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini, rigatoni, and elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.

    • Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables soften.

    • Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  3. Assemble the Cavatini:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.

    • Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta.

    • Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

    • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.

  4. Bake:

    • Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

    • Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

    • Let the cavatini rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.

  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a nutritious boost.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

 

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked pasta, cavatini, Italian-American, family dinner, comfort food

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Find it online: https://bensrecipes.com/what-is-cavatini-made-of/