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Baked cavatini pasta with mixed noodles, melted cheese, and pepperoni in a casserole dish served with garlic bread on a rustic table

Cavatini recipe

This cavatini recipe is made with three types of pasta, a rich tomato-based sauce, savory pepperoni, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a hearty baked dish that comes together with minimal effort. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, feeding a crowd, or preparing ahead for busy days.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Pasta (spiral, shell, and bowtie)
  • 1 jar Spaghetti sauce
  • 1 bag Pepperoni slices
  • 1 Onion, small
  • Bell pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Italian-style shredded cheese blend
  • Cooking spray
  • Salt, to taste

Method
 

  1. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and adding your mixed pasta. You’re going to cook it for about 7 minutes—just until it’s slightly tender but not overdone. Once that’s ready, go ahead and drain the noodles
  2. Pour your cooked noodles into a large mixing bowl. Add in your jar of spaghetti sauce and give it a quick mix so everything is coated.
  3. Next, add your pepperoni slices. If they’re sticking together, just separate them as you go so they’re evenly spread throughout the dish. Then toss in your diced onion and optional bell pepper.
  4. Now for flavor—add your Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Give everything a really good mix so all those flavors come together.
  5. Lightly spray your baking dish (8x8, 9x9, or 9x13 depending on your portion). Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Now for the best part—cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella all over the top, followed by your Italian cheese blend. Don’t hold back here.
  7. Place the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—and that’s it.