Some nights call for a comforting, no-fuss meal that still feels special — and this cheesy Cavatini pasta bake is exactly that. With layers of hearty meat, savory sauces, tender pasta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for hectic weeknights, this crowd-pleasing recipe will have your family coming back for seconds without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
Ingredients for Cheesy Cavatini Pasta Bake
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2 jars prepared pizza sauce, 14 oz (400 g) each
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1 small jar spaghetti sauce, 24 oz (680 g)
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1 pound (450 g) ground beef and/or sausage, browned and drained
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Sliced pepperoni — about 1/2 of a 6 oz (170 g) package
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2 cups (300 g) cooked penne pasta
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2 small cans chopped mushrooms, 4 oz (115 g) each
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2 1/2 cups (280 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Cheesy Cavatini Pasta Bake
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In a large bowl, combine the pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, cooked ground beef and/or sausage, sliced pepperoni, cooked penne pasta, and chopped mushrooms. Mix well.
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Transfer the mixture into a large baking pan. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
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Bake in a preheated 450°F (230°C) oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Serve hot.
A Weeknight Winner Worth Repeating
With its rich tomato flavor, cheesy topping, and hearty pasta base, this Cavatini pasta bake is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. The best part? You can easily customize it — swap in your favorite pasta shapes, add extra veggies, or make it spicy with a dash of red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need something quick, comforting, and satisfying.
