Crispy Baked Cavatappi with Spinach and Savory Ham
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic baked pasta with this Crispy Baked Cavatappi featuring tender pasta, savory hot ham, and nutrient-rich spinach. This dish brings together a creamy cheese sauce combined with the vibrant flavors of garlic and onion, all topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a comfort food that will warm your heart. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an excellent way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals!
N/A
Servings
417
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatappi pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Salt
to taste (for pasta water)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
2% low-fat milk
2 1/2 cups (for sauce)
Capicola
1/2 lb (sliced into thin ribbons)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) box (defrosted and squeezed dry)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup (grated and divided)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh mozzarella
1 lb (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup (for topping)
Flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler to high and adjust the oven rack to the top position.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter, allowing them to combine.
4
Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the onions are soft.
5
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously to combine.
6
Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. Allow it to thicken slightly.
7
Add the sliced capicola, defrosted spinach, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to the sauce. Season with nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat.
8
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cubed mozzarella with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to ensure each piece of pasta is evenly coated.
9
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
10
In a separate bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/2 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
11
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta in the baking dish, ensuring an even coverage.
12
Place the baking dish under the broiler and broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
13
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
42g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Baked Cavatappi with Spinach and Savory Ham?
It is a baked pasta dish featuring cavatappi, savory capicola ham, and spinach in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be quick and easy, taking approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked cavatappi pasta.
What kind of ham is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of capicola, sliced into thin ribbons, for a savory flavor profile.
Do I use fresh or frozen spinach?
You should use one 10-ounce box of frozen chopped spinach that has been defrosted and squeezed dry.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The dish uses a combination of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and 1 lb of fresh mozzarella cut into cubes.
How is the creamy sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a roux made from butter and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, combined with 2% low-fat milk.
What spices provide the flavor profile?
The sauce is seasoned with garlic, onion, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
How do I achieve the crispy topping?
Mix Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano, then broil the dish for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
What oven setting is used for the final step?
The oven should be set to the high broiler setting with the rack in the top position.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 417 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 17g of protein per serving in this pasta dish.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
Each serving has 20g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
This dish contains 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to better control the overall sodium levels.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 chopped garlic cloves.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of 2% low-fat milk.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
The fresh mozzarella should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes before being added to the pasta mixture.
What is the garnish for this dish?
Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley is used to garnish the dish after it comes out of the oven.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided between the skillet and the breadcrumb topping.
When do I add the Parmigiano-Reggiano?
Half a cup is added directly into the sauce, and the remaining half cup is mixed into the breadcrumb topping.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions before being combined with the sauce.
What is the purpose of the nutmeg?
Nutmeg is used as a seasoning to add a subtle, warm depth of flavor to the creamy cheese sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a very mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and the savory capicola, but it is generally considered a family-friendly comfort food.
How long should I broil the pasta?
Broil for 3-5 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to ensure the breadcrumbs don't burn.
Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?
The recipe uses Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; if using plain breadcrumbs, you may want to add dried herbs like oregano or basil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total used in this recipe.
Is the onion cooked before adding milk?
Yes, the onion and garlic are sautéed in olive oil and butter for about 2 minutes until soft before the flour and milk are added.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a baked pasta and comfort food.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions recommend transferring the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish before broiling.