If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make pasta bake, this Cheesy Baked Cavatini is the perfect dish! With layers of whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, turkey pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, this dish is packed with flavor and has a wonderful balance of savory and cheesy goodness.
Not only is this pasta bake hearty and filling, but it’s also a healthier twist on traditional cavatini, using lean ground turkey and whole wheat pasta. Serve it with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal your whole family will love!
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Cavatini
- 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey (about 570 grams)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 6 oz turkey pepperoni, sliced (about 170 grams)
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce with garlic (about 24 oz / 680 grams)
- 1 cup whole wheat elbow macaroni (about 115 grams)
- 1 cup whole wheat penne (about 115 grams)
- 1 cup whole wheat rotini (about 115 grams)
- 2 1/2 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese, divided (about 285 grams)
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese (about 450 grams)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (about 2 grams)
How to Make Cheesy Baked Cavatini
- In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey, chopped onion, and green bell pepper over medium heat. Once fully cooked, stir in the turkey pepperoni and spaghetti sauce. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni, penne, and rotini, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the meat sauce mixture until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Spread almost half of the pasta and meat mixture into the baking dish.
- Add half of the cheese mixture as a layer over the pasta.
- Repeat with another layer of pasta and meat, followed by the remaining cheese mixture.
- Finish with the remaining pasta and meat, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the cavatini rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh salad. Enjoy!
This Cheesy Baked Cavatini is a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The combination of savory turkey, melty cheese, and flavorful pasta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a household favorite.
Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for the ultimate comfort food experience. Make a batch today and enjoy a pizzeria-style pasta bake right at home!
