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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?

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini, rigatoni, and elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables soften.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Assemble the Cavatini:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
  3. Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
  4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Bake:
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  3. 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.