If you are looking for an easy, delicious meal for the family, look no further. This recipe is kid friendly, very good, and super easy to put together. It combines everything we love about pizza and spaghetti into a casserole style dish.
Back in the day, you could find Cavatini pasta on the Pizza Hut buffet table. Besides being quick to make, its versatility is another reason it's a family favorite in so many homes. Many children are picky eaters, even so, pizza remains popular as there are so many different topping choices. For that reason, it also can be easily be adjusted for vegetarians as well.
"How about some pizza casserole!"
This is a great recipe for large groups too. If you have an office party, a picnic, or any gathering where you need to bring a covered dish. It's also a terrific choice if your children are having friends over. It's easily adjustable to make as much or as little as you need.
Depending on serving sizes, this recipe will yield an estimated 12 adult portions, more for child-size servings. Given cooking time for pasta and casserole, estimated cooking time is about an hour.
Equipment
Casserole dish
large spoon
knife
Colander strainer basket
Ingredients
1 box of Rotini pasta
1 bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar of pasta sauce - I used a 24 oz. jar of Classico
1 can of mushrooms
1 bell pepper - chopped
1 bundle of fresh green onions - chopped
1 pack of pepperoni
1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
These are the ingredients I chose. Feel free to add to or take away whatever ingredients you or those you are cooking for may like. You can also use fresh mozzarella in lieu of the bagged shredded style or fresh mushrooms. Other ideas include hamburger, ham, or sausage. You can add some other cheeses too such as Parmesan and/or feta cheese. Try different peppers too like banana peppers or jalapenos.
"Let's get cooking!"
Wash your hands and let's get cracking. First you will need to cook the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, you can wash and prep the vegetables, open cans strain, rinse etc.
Now, take about a tablespoon of the olive oil and coat the casserole dish. When the pasta is done, place the pasta in the colander, rinse and drain. Now spread the pasta in the casserole dish and add the sauce and mix it evenly.
Add in the peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Cover with cheese and top with pepperoni.
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. I like to cook mine until the cheese is just starting to brown. Feel free to take yours out a little earlier or even longer if you like. It will be fine to do so.
There ya go!
A side salad is a terrific choice with this and garlic bread or bread sticks. I hope you give this a try next time you have a group to cook for. Or even if you need a lunch item to take with you. It makes great left overs!
Thank you for reading and have a blessed day.