Ah, Cavatini Pasta! Just the thought of it is enough to get me running to the kitchen to make another batch! It’s quick and easy and perfect for any day of the week!

 

 

Is there anything better than tender pasta, ground beef, fresh veggies and pepperoni?  

Well what if you smother the whole thing in a tangy pizza sauce and top it with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese? 

Your favorite pizza and pasta dish, all in one comforting, cheesy casserole. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

You’ll love that you can customize this Cavatini pasta recipe. Swap out the noodles or the meat, and it still tastes amazing!

And with that mozzarella layered through and melted on top? It’s a cheese lover’s dream!

It’s also a complete meal in one dish! Protein, veggies, and carbs. It’s all there!

Pasta Cavatini is perfect for the whole family. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

Plus it’s great for leftovers. So your lunches are gonna be awesome!

 

 

What is Cavatini Pasta?

Cavatini pasta is a hearty pasta casserole.

It ususally combines different types of pasta with a meaty sauce, vegetables, and loads of cheese.

It might also be called a pizza pasta casserole cause it tastes a lot like pizza in a pasta form.

And of course it’s all baked to perfection. Like gooey cheese golden brown kind of perfection!

If you’re a fan of pizza, try these other Pizza Recipes:

• No Bake Veggie Pizza
• Flat Bread Pizzas
• Pepperoni Dip
• Pulled Pork Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla
• Chicken Pesto Artichoke Pizza

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Cavatini Pasta?

This easy pasta recipe is the only thing you’re gonna want to make this week!

• Spiral noodles: Any shape works, but spirals hold the sauce well.
• Ground beef: For a healthier option, you can substitute it with ground turkey.
• Yellow onion and garlic: The trick is to sauté them until golden.
• Green bell pepper: Yellow or red pepper would work too if you prefer.
• Pepperoni: Separate them so they’re throughout the whole pasta
• Pizza sauce: Or your favorite spaghetti sauce.
• Milk: A little goes a long way to make the sauce creamy.
• Mozzarella cheese: Because cheese! The more, the merrier!

Pro Tips:

• For an even richer flavor, mix in some Italian sausage with the ground beef.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese alongside the mozzarella for an extra cheesy kick!

 

 

How to Make Cavatini Pasta

This easy cavatini recipe is definitely going to be one of your favorite recipes!

Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook pasta until it’s just al dente over medium heat. 
2. Brown your ground beef with veggies.
3. Stir in the pepperoni, sauce, and a bit of milk.
4. Layer half of the mixture in a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with cheesy goodness, then repeat.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips:

• Don’t skip the cooking spray! It saves you from a world of cleaning hassle later.
• Different types of pasta are totally okay! A mix of spiral, bow tie, and shell noodles can make the dish fun!

 

 

Can I Make Cavatini Pasta Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this pasta salad casserole ahead of time! 

Assemble the cavatini pasta in your casserole dish but hold off on the final cheese topping. 

Cover it up and store it in the fridge. 

When you’re ready to eat, sprinkle on that cheese and bake. 

It’s a lifesaver for busy days!

I recommend not making it more than 24 hours in advance. 

I find most foods taste the best in that time frame.

 

 

How to Store Leftover Cavatini Pasta

Got leftover cooked pasta? No problem. Cavatini pasta stores super easy! 

Just pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. 

It’s as good the next day as it was fresh out of the oven!

 

 

How Long Does Cavatini Pasta Last?

Let’s talk leftovers (because, let’s be honest, they’re the best part)! 

In my experience, this pasta casserole can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.

So that means it’s great for meal prep or when you just don’t feel like cooking! 

Just pop it in the microwave, and you’re good to go!

 

 

What to Serve with Cavatini Pasta?

Since this pasta mixture is pretty hearty on its own, I love pairing it with something light on the side. 

A simple green salad or some garlic bread (because who can say no to more carbs?) makes for the perfect meal. 

Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

• Garlic Bread with Garlic Paste
• Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
• Simple Butternut Squash Salad
• Hot Dog Bun Garlic Bread
• Watermelon Feta & Mint Salad
• Bisquick Red Lobster Biscuits
• Bacon Lettuce Tomato Salad
• Crazy Bread Recipe
• Broccoli Cashew Salad

 

 

Is Cavatini a Type of Pasta?

Cavatini isn’t a type of pasta noodle but rather a pasta dish. 

It’s a mix of different pastas.

I prefer spiral noodles, but you can get creative with rotini noodles or even shell noodles. 

Then they are baked in a delicious meat and cheese sauce. 

It’s pretty much what I imagine if pizza and pasta had a delicious baby!

 

 

Who Created Cavatini Pasta?

Curious about who we have to thank for the original recipe? 

Well the exact origins are a bit murky. Sorry! 

Some say it was popularized by pizza chains like Pizza Hut as a pasta version of their pizza offerings.

Maybe that’s true. Maybe it’s not.

I know it gained popularity as a staple at salad bars and in family kitchens. It’s a crowd pleaser!

So whoever we have to thank, I’m just grateful it exists!

 

 

Cavatini Pasta is a great new recipe to add to your weeknight rotation! It’s easy, it’s cheesy, and it’s oh-so-delicious! Enjoy!

 

Originally Posted: December 22, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: March 11, 2024

 

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