Cavatini(Makes One 9 X 13-Inch Pan)
A hearty, cheesy pasta bake with savory sausage, seasoned ground beef, and a medley of vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente.
- Brown hamburger, sausage, chopped onion, and pepperoni in a skillet.
- Add mushrooms to the meat mixture when nearly done and cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cook for a few more minutes.
- Combine the meat sauce with cooked pasta and mix well.
- Transfer to a 9 x 13-inch pan, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of ricotta cheese to the meat sauce before combining it with the pasta. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger and sausage. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or use a jar of Eudene'S Spaghetti Sauce for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cavatini is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish also makes a great potluck item, and you can browse more Italian recipes to complement your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cavatini in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatini(Makes One 9 X 13-Inch Pan) contains roughly 270 calories, with 13g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1418mg per serving (62% 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 the cavatini a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What types of pasta work best for cavatini?
Any assorted pasta works well, but consider using penne or rotini for their ability to hold onto the sauce. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just ensure it's cooked to al dente to maintain the best texture after baking.
Can I freeze cavatini for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze cavatini before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding extra time. If baked, let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
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).