This cheesy cavatini bake is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish inspired by the Pizza Hut classic. Combining tender pasta, savory meats, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of flavor and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with meats, cheese, and pasta, this dish is filling and comforting.
- Family-Friendly: A flavorful meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Inspired by a Classic: Brings the flavors of a Pizza Hut favorite right into your kitchen.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different meats, veggies, or pasta shapes.
- Make-Ahead Option: Perfect for meal prep or assembling ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/4 lb shell pasta
- 1/4 lb spiral pasta
- 1/2 lb pepperoni
- 1/2 lb hamburger (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell and spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, cook the hamburger over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, hamburger, pepperoni, sautéed onions, mushrooms, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the layer.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the cavatini bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Cheese Lovers: Add ricotta or cream cheese for an extra creamy layer.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of hamburger and increase the red pepper flakes.
- Pasta Substitutions: Use penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta you have on hand.
- Marinara Swap: Substitute marinara sauce with a creamy Alfredo or vodka sauce for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Assemble the cavatini bake but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Any short pasta with ridges or curves, like shells, rotini, or penne, works well to hold the sauce and cheese.
3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara is convenient, but feel free to use homemade if you have it.
4. What’s the best way to cook the hamburger?
Cook it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
5. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you can add cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for variety.
6. How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?
Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray before covering the casserole.
7. Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Olives, jalapeños, or fresh basil make great additions.
8. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta until al dente and avoid overbaking the casserole.
9. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
10. What side dishes pair well with cavatini bake?
Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy cavatini bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Loaded with pasta, savory meats, marinara, and plenty of cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love. Customize it to your preferences and enjoy a homemade version of the Pizza Hut classic. Try it today and bring a taste of nostalgia to your dinner table!
Print
Cheesy Cavatini Bake Pizza
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy Cavatini bake is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with pasta, savory meats, mushrooms, marinara sauce, and lots of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Inspired by the Pizza Hut classic, it’s the perfect family-friendly dinner!
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1/2 lb pepperoni (sliced or diced)
- 1/2 lb hamburger (cooked and crumbled)
Produce:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
Pasta & Grains:
- 1/4 lb shell pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1/4 lb spiral pasta (cooked al dente)
Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Dairy:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Parmesan cheese (grated)
Other:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the shell and spiral pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the onion and mushrooms over medium heat until softened. Set aside.
- Cook and crumble the hamburger in the same skillet until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Assemble the Cavatini:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, sautéed onions and mushrooms, crumbled hamburger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Layer with half of the pepperoni slices.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, cheese, and pepperoni.
4. Bake the Cavatini:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Options: Feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
- Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Meat Variations: Swap the hamburger with sausage or ground turkey for a twist.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired