Cavatini(Large Quantity)
A hearty and cheesy pasta dish packed with sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for feeding large groups with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 3 different pastas (macaroni twists, shells, etc.)
- 3/4 to 1 lb. sausage, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 lb. pepperoni, cut into bits
- 1 to 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom pieces
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 to 2 large containers spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 2 to 4 large bags shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook 1 to 2 cups each of three different pastas; drain and set aside.
- Brown and drain sausage, pepperoni, onions, and green pepper.
- Mix the cooked pastas with the meats, onions, and green pepper.
- Stir in mushroom pieces, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add spaghetti sauce and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a lasagna pan or roasting pan.
- Bake at 350°F until hot, stirring once or twice during baking.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Return to oven until the cheese melts.
- Serve directly from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing Cavatini, feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes; macaroni twists and shells work well. For a lighter option, substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage or rotisserie chicken can save you some effort. Enhance the flavor by adding Italian herbs or crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Cavatini is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a light Italian dressing to cut through the richness. For a fun twist, consider offering a variety of toppings like crushed red pepper or extra Parmesan cheese on the side. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatini(Large Quantity) contains roughly 114 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 864mg per serving (38% 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 make Cavatini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cavatini a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the sausage?
If you want a different flavor or a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage. For a vegetarian version, consider adding more vegetables or plant-based sausage alternatives. This way, you can still enjoy the comforting essence of Cavatini without the meat.
How do I know when Cavatini is done baking?
Cavatini is done when it is heated through and bubbling at the edges. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly golden. Stir the dish halfway through baking to ensure even heating, and keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
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).