Cheesy Sausage Cavatelli Bake
This Cheesy Sausage Cavatelli Bake is a family favorite that transforms mealtime into a joyous occasion. With tender cavatelli pasta, savory Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese, every bite is a delightful mix of flavors that even the pickiest eaters can't resist. Whether you're cooking for the family or prepping a dish for gatherings, this casserole is sure to please. It combines the ease of a quick assembly with the heartwarming comfort of a baked dish, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, any leftovers—or should we say, 'nonexistent leftovers'?—can be creatively turned into future meals. Your family (and even your dog) will be begging for more!
4-6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatelli pasta
7 ounces (Cooked according to package directions)
Italian sausage
12 ounces (Uncooked links, sliced 1/2 inch thick on the diagonal)
Onion
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Pasta sauce
1 jar (26 ounces) (Your choice of brand and flavor)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (Shredded, divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground or as desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the cavatelli according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess fat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta sauce, 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and the drained sausage mixture until everything is well coated.
5
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly.
6
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is heated through.
7
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Watch as your family devours it, leaving behind only a clean dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Sausage Cavatelli Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole featuring tender cavatelli pasta, savory Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella cheese in a hearty sauce.
How much cavatelli pasta is needed for this recipe?
You will need 7 ounces of cavatelli pasta, which should be cooked according to the package directions before assembly.
What type of sausage is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of Italian sausage links.
How should I prepare the Italian sausage?
The uncooked links should be sliced 1/2 inch thick on the diagonal before browning in a skillet.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the casserole.
How much onion is required for the bake?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of chopped onion.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use one 26-ounce jar of any brand or flavor of pasta sauce you prefer.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How is the mozzarella cheese divided during the cooking process?
Use 3/4 cup of cheese mixed into the pasta and the remaining 1/4 cup sprinkled on top for the final bake.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart casserole dish should be used for this recipe.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, the mixture should be transferred into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
How long do I cook the sausage and onions?
Brown the sausage for 6-8 minutes, then add the onion and garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
What seasoning is added to the pasta mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 25 to 30 minutes of baking.
How long is the final bake after removing the foil?
After removing the foil and adding more cheese, bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a family favorite that even picky eaters enjoy.
Can I substitute the cavatelli with other pasta?
While the recipe specifies cavatelli, other similar shapes like shells or rotini could work if needed.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Do I need to drain the sausage after cooking?
Yes, remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess fat before mixing the sausage with the pasta.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chopped onion once the sausage has browned.
What should I do after the casserole is finished baking?
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to your family.
Can I use different types of cheese?
The recipe specifies mozzarella for its gooey texture, but you could experiment with other Italian cheeses.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner due to its ease of assembly.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include baked pasta, casserole, family-friendly, quick dinner, and comfort food.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground or desired black pepper.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped and cooked until translucent and fragrant.
How thick should the sausage slices be?
The sausage links should be sliced approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Does the recipe include instructions for leftovers?
The description mentions that any leftovers can be creatively turned into future meals, though they are often devoured immediately.