Easy baked pasta dish for a busy night

Better Homes and Gardens has come out with another binder cookbook, this one even easier than the last. Step-by-step instructions accompany each recipe, which are all very doable. Baked Cavatelli caught my eye because, well, it used wagon wheels pasta which just couldn't be cuter. Lately, I've been looking for recipes that fit the casserole mold. So easy to throw together for a weeknight meal and the wolverines at my house love them. Well, they say that. They know which side of the bread is buttered.

Baked Cavatelli
2 1/3  cups dried cavatelli or wagon wheel macaroni (7 ounces)
12  ounces uncooked Italian sausage links, sliced 1/2 inch thick, or lean ground beef
3/4  cup chopped onion
2  cloves garlic, minced
1  26-ounce jar pasta sauce
1  cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
1/4  teaspoon black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

In a large skillet cook the sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is brown; remove from skillet. Drain.

In a large bowl stir together pasta sauce, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the pepper. Add the cooked pasta and the drained sausage mixture. Stir gently to combine. Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart casserole. (See note.)

Bake, covered, in a 375 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until nearly heated through. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake about 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted.

Makes 5 or 6 servings

Note: For individual portions, spoon the mixture into 5 or 6 individual (8- to 10-ounce) casseroles. Place the casseroles on a large baking sheet. Cover casseroles with foil and bake in a 375 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until nearly heated through. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese, and bake about 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted.

Source: photos and recipe, www.bhg.com

Comments

[Missy]

This (or a version of it) is a staple recipe in our house. Easy and delicious, and fast, which in football & baseball season is paramount.

The new pic of you in the sidebar is great! Have you lost weight? :)

[Stir Crazy]

Thanks for noticing! Yes!