Name: Pizza Hut Cavatini Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced thin; 1/4 lb spiral shaped pasta; 1 green pepper, sliced thin; 1/4 lb shell noodles; 1 onion, sliced thin; 1/4 lb wheel noodles; mushroom (optional); 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1/2 lb hamburger (browned); 8 ounces parmesan cheese (shredded); 1/2 lb Italian sausage (browned); 2 (32 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, your choice

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Do you ever find yourself craving the signature baked pasta dishes from Pizza Hut’s famous buffet? Well, look no further as I introduce to you my favorite copycat recipe – the Pizza Hut Cavatini. This dish is packed with Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, and a variety of vegetables tossed together in spiral-shaped noodles and baked in a savory blend of Alfredo sauce and tomato sauce.

This recipe not only satisfies your hunger pangs but it also captures the essence of comfort food. From family dinners to potlucks or dinner parties, this hearty dish never disappoints. Whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie fanatic, this dish can easily be customized to suit your taste buds.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your aprons and get ready to make the ultimate Pizza Hut Cavatini copycat recipe. Trust me when I say that you will never go back to the original after trying this one out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you a fan of the famous Pizza Hut Cavatini? Then, you are going to love this copycat recipe that I have for you. One bite of this delicious dish, and you will be hooked for life! Here are some reasons why you should try this recipe:

Firstly, it is an easy and quick-to-make meal that you can put together in no time. Its spiral shaped pasta, ground beef, Italian sausage, green bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and heaps of cheese make it tasty beyond belief. You can whip up a batch for dinner on a busy weeknight, or even serve it at your next weekend gathering with friends.

Secondly, this dish offers a heart-healthy option with its ingredients such as parmesan cheese, lean hamburger meat, and fresh vegetables. It is not only incredibly delicious but also healthy!

Thirdly, the recipe is very versatile to accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences. For example, if you are a meat-lover or looking for something different from the classic cavatini recipe, you can opt for the Cavatini Supreme which includes pepperoni and Italian Sausage.

Lastly, imagine having the chance to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at home with less cost and much more satisfaction? You can save money on ordering pizza delivery by cooking up this scrumptious dish.

Overall, this copycat recipe of the Pizza Hut Cavatini is definitely worth trying! With its simple preparation, healthy ingredients options and wide range of versatility it is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredient List

Take a deep breath and let’s dive into the heart of this Pizza Hut Cavatini Copycat Recipe: its ingredients. To make Cavatini Supreme, as they call it in Hut buffet, you will need:

Meat

1 lb Italian sausage
1 pound hamburger
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables

1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, diced
2 ounces margarine
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta

1 lb spiral-shaped pasta (cavatini pasta or rotini pasta)
Pasta noodles, cooked al dente

Sauce and Seasoning

28 oz can stewed tomatoes
1 envelope onion soup mix
Assorted pasta sauce (alfredo sauce, pizza sauce)
Parmesan cheese or any other preferred seasoning

Keep in mind that you may vary the quantity of each ingredient to your taste or needs. But be careful not to mess up the ratios or you risk throwing off the taste of your Cavatini.

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHs_GHyYCu0

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to bring them together and make that Pizza Hut Cavatini Copycat Recipe come to life! This recipe is an all-time favorite of mine, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your spiral-shaped pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. I prefer using cavatini pasta for this recipe since it captures all the different flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While your pasta is boiling, cut a green bell pepper, onion, and some mushrooms into thin slices. Be sure to dice them evenly so they cook evenly. Set aside these vegetables while you move onto the next step.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, brown your ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Make sure to fully cook the meat until there is no pink left. Drain off any grease from the pan and add in your sliced vegetables from earlier.

Step 4: Add in Tomatoes

Next, pour in two cans of drained and stewed tomatoes into the meat-vegetable mixture. I highly recommend using heart-healthy options for this recipe. Throw in a packet of dry onion soup mix and stir everything together.

Step 5: Layer Your Casserole

Take a greased 9×13 baking dish and put half of your cooked pasta on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of your meat mixture over the top of your pasta layer. Repeat another layer with noodles, then meat mixture.

Step 6: Add The Cheese

Finally, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (or any other Italian blend cheese you like) over everything inside your baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, bake for around 25-30 minutes or until cheese looks melted which gives this dish a golden crust look and pizza-like flavor.

This hearty recipe can feed up to twelve people making it perfect for sharing at dinner parties or potlucks. It’s easy to make-ahead or even store leftovers for another delicious meal.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this Cavatini recipe:

– Vegetarian version- You can leave out the Italian Sausage and Hamburger from the recipe and replace it with vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

– Meat Lovers’ Version – If you are a meat lover, then you can add more meat to this recipe. You can add pepperoni, diced ham, or chicken breast to make it even more delicious.

– Alfredo Sauce – If you are looking for a creamy twist to the original recipe, you can replace the pasta sauce with Alfredo sauce. This will give your pasta dish a rich and flavorful taste.

– Gluten-free version – For those who are allergic to gluten, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta noodles instead of the regular ones.

– Different Pasta Shapes – You can use different pasta shapes like shell noodles or rotini pasta instead of spiral-shaped pasta to give your cavatini bake a different texture.

– Heart Healthy Version – To make a heart-healthy version, you can skip the cheese and use low-fat ground beef or turkey sausage. You could also add more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to your recipe.

These are just some ideas for substitutions and variations. Feel free to get creative with your cavatini recipe and make it your own!

Serving and Pairing

Welcome to the serving and pairing section of this Pizza Hut Cavatini Copycat Recipe! Once you’ve whipped up a piping hot batch of this delicious baked pasta dish, it’s time to talk about how to serve and what to pair it with.

First things first, let’s talk about serving size. This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people, so make sure you have enough mouths to feed before calling everyone to the table. The perfect serving size is about a cup or two, depending on hunger levels.

Now, let’s talk about pairing. The creamy and hearty flavors of this cavatini pasta bake make it a versatile dish that goes well with many different sides and beverages. The best way to pair it is with some garlic bread or a simple Italian salad. These sides will complement the rich savory flavor of the pasta bake, adding a refreshing crunch and tangy zest.

As for beverages, a glass of wine or beer would be fantastic, but if you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water or lemonade. These drinks will help to cleanse your palate between bites, making every bite even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, this Pizza Hut cavatini copycat recipe is a great option for dinner parties or family dinners alike. It’s easy to make and can be paired with delicious sides and drinks that will elevate its creamy flavor even further. So what are you waiting for? Give this amazing pasta dish a try today!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you are anything like me, you want to make sure that your leftovers are just as good as the initial dish. Thankfully, the Pizza Hut Cavatini Copycat Recipe can be made ahead of time and still taste just as delicious even a few days later.

To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the baking step. Instead of putting it in the oven, allow it to cool and then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

When reheating from the refrigerator, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat according to the same instructions.

For those who prefer microwave reheating, cut into individual portions and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid uneven heating.

This hearty and scrumptious pasta dish also makes for a great lunchtime leftover. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerate, and pop in the microwave when ready to eat.

Overall, this recipe is versatile when it comes to storing and reheating. Whether you are looking for a heart healthy leftover lunch or a quick weeknight dinner before soccer practice, this pasta dish is perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Results

If you’re like me, you are looking to replicate the taste of Pizza Hut’s Cavatini with this copycat recipe. And when it comes to perfect results, paying attention to the little things goes a long way. Here are some tips to ensure that your dish tastes just like the original:

First, make sure to use the spiral-shaped pasta noodles called cavatini. This type of noodle is crucial to the recipe as its unique shape allows it to soak up all of the flavors in the dish. Additionally, be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn’t become mushy while baking in the oven.

Next, choose high-quality ingredients for your toppings. For example, using Italian sausage and ground beef will add an authentic flavor that is similar to Pizza Hut’s Cavatini Supreme. You can also experiment with different toppings like mushrooms, onions, or green peppers.

When adding cheese to your cavatini, use a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Be sure to add it towards the end of baking, so it has a chance to melt and form a stringy layer on top.

Lastly, if you want your cavatini to have that crusty top layer that everyone loves about baked pasta dishes, spread a thin layer of margarine or butter over the top before placing it in the oven. This will help create a crispy texture on top while ensuring that your cavatini stays moist and cheesy on the inside.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious cavatini pasta bake that will rival any dish from the local Hut buffet. So what are you waiting for? Pour yourself a glass of wine and let’s get cooking!

FAQ

Now, let’s dive into the FAQ section of this recipe. I understand you may have some questions about the ingredients or instructions, and I’m here to provide answers to put your mind at ease. These frequently asked questions cover everything from substitutions to the best way to store and reheat leftovers. So, grab a slice of pizza and let’s get started!

What is Cavatini made of?

Discover a delightful Italian-inspired dish called Cavatini, which is a delicious baked pasta dish filled with mouth-watering Italian sausage, savory pepperoni, colorful vegetables, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This dish, which was once a popular menu item at Pizza Hut, is a perfect choice for families who crave a hearty pasta-based meal.

Does Pizza Hut still have Cavatini on their menu?

If you’re a fan of Pizza Hut’s discontinued cavatini dish, fear not! You can recreate this beloved meal in your own kitchen to satisfy your cravings or feed a crowd. Despite its absence from the restaurant’s menu, you can relive the magic of the cavatini by following this recipe.

What temperature do you bake Cavatini?

If you have leftover unbaked casserole, don’t fret! You can freeze it for up to three months (just remember to freeze the topping cheese separately). When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours and let it sit at room temperature for half an hour. Then, bake it at 350 degrees for 40 minutes and sprinkle on the cheeses. This will be a great way to save time later on while still enjoying a delicious meal.

What pasta was on the Pizza Hut buffet?

The Pizza Hut buffet has got your taste buds covered with two pasta options: the Four Cheese & Broccoli Pasta and the Tomato Pasta. So, get ready to indulge!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you are a fan of Pizza Hut’s Cavatini or simply looking for a new baked pasta dish to add to your recipe collection, this copycat recipe is not one to miss. With its hearty combination of Italian sausage, hamburger, and variety of vegetables all topped with a generous amount of melting cheese, it will absolutely melt your heart.

Not only is this recipe a great alternative to ordering in from Pizza Hut, but it also allows for customization based on your personal preference or dietary restrictions. Additionally, with the make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, you can save time in the kitchen without compromising flavor or quality.

So, whether you are planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a pizza party, you cannot go wrong with this Cavatini Copycat Recipe. Give it a try and be prepared for a heartwarming and satisfying meal that will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Recommended Recipes Just For You

None found

Vikas

Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.

Master the Art of Making Pizza Hut Cavatini