Quick Cavatini (Supreme Pizza Pasta)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Description
This Quick Cavatini recipe was shared with me by a wonderful friend in MOMS Club, and over time, I’ve made a few small tweaks to make it our family’s favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—you can personalize it by adding or swapping ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, our daughter loves black olives, so I make sure to include them for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is super versatile, allowing you to switch up the meat or add different toppings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a small family dinner or feeding a large group, it’s a breeze to scale up the ingredients, and it works wonderfully as a make-ahead meal. The best part? It stores well in the fridge if you want to prep it a day ahead, and it freezes perfectly for future meals.
Recipe Category
One-Dish Meal
Keywords
Meat, European, Kid-Friendly, Potluck, Less Than 30 Minutes, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry pasta | 2 cups |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion | 1 (medium-sized) |
| Green pepper | 1 (chopped) |
| Black olives | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Mozzarella cheese | 3 cups (shredded) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 505.4 kcal |
| Fat | 24.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1149.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 43.1 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugar | 14.2 g |
| Protein | 27.8 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the dry pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it reaches the al dente stage. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is the perfect time to prep the other ingredients. -
Brown the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Drain the excess fat, if necessary, and return the beef and onion mixture to the pan. -
Add the Sauce and Toppings
To the beef and onion mixture, add the pizza sauce, chopped green pepper, black olives, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add some sliced pepperoni or mushrooms, if you prefer. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Mix everything well so that the pasta is coated with the savory sauce. -
Assemble the Cavatini
Spoon the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Top it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the top. This is the moment where you can make it extra cheesy—don’t be shy! -
Bake the Cavatini
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’ve made this dish ahead and refrigerated or frozen it, you may need to bake it a little longer. Keep an eye on the cheese and remove the dish once it’s golden and gooey.
Tips for Success
- Customize the toppings: This dish is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as sausage, mushrooms, or even pepperoni, for an extra flavor kick.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. You can also freeze it for a quick meal later on.
- Serve with a Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
- Reheat with Ease: If you have leftovers, this dish reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
This Quick Cavatini (or Supreme Pizza Pasta) is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With its customizable ingredients, you can make it your own, and with its crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at your next family dinner or potluck!
