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
Units
Scale
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
