Cavatelli
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender wagon wheel or corkscrew macaroni, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauces, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of spices and satisfying textures that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups wagon wheel or corkscrew macaroni ⓘ
- 12 oz. Italian sausage links, sliced to 1/2-inch thick ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook sausage until no pink remains; remove from skillet.
- Drain off fat, reserving 1 tablespoon.
- Cook chopped onion and minced garlic in the reserved drippings until tender.
- In a 2-quart casserole, combine cooked pasta, sausage, onion mixture, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the onion and garlic mixture. If you'd like to reduce fat, opt for turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. For a creamier texture, mix in a little ricotta cheese along with the mozzarella. This dish pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Stuffed Shells.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cavatelli dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine, enhancing the rich flavors of the sausage and tomato sauce. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Baked Macaroni And Sausage.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatelli contains roughly 544 calories, with 32g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1144mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cavatelli is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type to maintain the right texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with roasted vegetables or a meat substitute like tempeh or lentils. You can also add extra cheese for flavor and protein, making it just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help it heat evenly during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).