Pizza Hut Cavatini

This copycat recipe recreates the beloved Pizza Hut Cavatini, featuring tender pasta shells baked in a savory, slightly sweet meat sauce. The combination of ground beef, onion soup mix, and a touch of grape jelly creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Topped with layers of mozzarella and provolone, this dish offers a gooey, cheesy finish that pairs perfectly with the robust sauce. It is an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a warm, hearty Italian-American meal. Simple to assemble with pantry staples, this baked cavatini is a crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 314.4

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This copycat recipe recreates the beloved Pizza Hut Cavatini, featuring tender pasta shells baked in a savory, slightly sweet meat sauce. The combination of ground beef, onion soup mix, and a touch of grape jelly creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Topped with layers of mozzarella and provolone, this dish offers a gooey, cheesy finish that pairs perfectly with the robust sauce. It is an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a warm, hearty Italian-American meal. Simple to assemble with pantry staples, this baked cavatini is a crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

Ingredients

4 cup Uncooked assorted pasta --

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350&# 194;Â°F (175ÃÂ°C).
2
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground round and brown until no pink remains, crumbling with a fork.
4
Reduce heat to low. Add onion soup mix, stewed tomatoes, V-8 juice, spaghetti sauce, and grape jelly to the skillet.
5
Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6
Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, but do not let it boil vigorously.
7
In individual gratin dishes or a baking dish, layer cooked pasta, meat sauce, and slices of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
8
Repeat layers, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
9
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 314.4kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.6g4%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 2.4mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 60.0g20%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g18%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 12.0g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The original recipe mentions "Uncooked assorted pasta" in the ingredients but implies cavatini (shells) in the title. Use cavatini or similar shell pasta for best results.

Grape jelly adds a subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce, mimicking the original restaurant flavor. Do not omit unless you prefer a savory-only sauce.

For storage, let the cavatini cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, though the flavor profile may change slightly.

If using a large baking dish instead of individual servings, adjust baking time accordingly, ensuring the center is hot and bubbly.

Keywords: cavatini, pizza hut, copycat, baked pasta, meat sauce, ground beef, cheesy, comfort food, family dinner, italian american, casserole, pasta shells, mozzarella, provolone, onion soup mix, grape jelly

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pizza-hut-cavatini/