Pizza Hut Cavatini Recipe – Make the Classic Pasta Bake at Home

If you grew up loving Pizza Hut’s iconic buffet, chances are you remember their famous Cavatini—a hearty, saucy, cheesy pasta bake packed with pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and two types of pasta. This dish disappeared from many locations over the years, but the good news is that you can recreate the Pizza Hut Cavatini recipe right at home. It’s amazingly easy, incredibly comforting, and tastes just like the nostalgic favorite you remember.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the original ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, storage tips, and cooking secrets to make your homemade cavatini taste even better than the restaurant version.

What Is Pizza Hut Cavatini?

Pizza Hut Cavatini is a baked pasta dish that combines:

Spiral pasta (rotini)
Shell pasta
Ground beef
Italian sausage
Pepperoni
Bell peppers
Onions
Mushrooms
Pizza sauce + pasta sauce
Loads of melted mozzarella and parmesan

It’s the perfect mix of pizza flavors and pasta comfort—like a supreme pizza turned into a casserole.

The original Pizza Hut Cavatini was served in a deep dish pan, baked until bubbling, and topped with pepperoni slices. The texture was cheesy, gooey, and slightly crispy on top.

Homemade Pizza Hut Cavatini Recipe

This recipe is written to taste as close as possible to the iconic Pizza Hut version, using simple supermarket ingredients.

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz rotini pasta
8 oz small shell pasta

Meat

½ lb ground beef
½ lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
1 cup sliced pepperoni

Vegetables

1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced green bell peppers
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional but recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

1 jar (24–26 oz) pasta sauce
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder

Cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan

Optional Add-Ins

Red pepper flakes
Black olives
Extra pepperoni for the top

How to Make the Pizza Hut Cavatini Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Boil the Pasta

Cook both types of pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente.
The pasta will continue baking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it.

Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Meat

In a large skillet:

Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Add sliced pepperoni and sauté for 2 minutes to release flavor.

This combination provides the classic Pizza Hut taste—savory, slightly spicy, and rich.

3. Add the Vegetables

Stir in:

onions
bell peppers
mushrooms
garlic

Cook until vegetables soften, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour in:

the pasta sauce
the pizza sauce
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
onion powder

Stir well and simmer 5–10 minutes.
This blend gives you that unmistakable Pizza Hut Cavatini flavor.

5. Combine Everything

In a giant mixing bowl or the pasta pot:

Add cooked pasta.
Pour the meat + vegetable + sauce mixture over it.
Stir until everything is coated.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.

Add:

1½ cups mozzarella
A sprinkle of parmesan

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.

Then top with:

the remaining mozzarella
the rest of the parmesan
extra pepperoni for the finishing Pizza Hut look

7. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes, or until:

the cheese is melted
the edges are bubbling
the top is lightly golden

Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Why This Pizza Hut Cavatini Recipe Works

This version mirrors the original restaurant dish by layering:

two types of pasta
three meats
rich pizza-style sauce
lots of cheese

It hits the perfect balance of flavors—spicy from the pepperoni, savory from the sausage, and smooth from the tomato sauce and pasta. The combination of pasta sauce + pizza sauce is the real secret for nostalgia.

Tips for Authentic Restaurant-Style Cavatini

✔ Don’t overcook the pasta

A slightly firm texture keeps the casserole from becoming mushy.

✔ Layer cheese in the middle

This mimics the gooey center of Pizza Hut’s version.

✔ Use both pasta shapes

This adds texture and authenticity.

✔ Let it rest before serving

This helps the casserole hold together when sliced.

✔ Pepperoni on top is essential

It gives the dish that signature Pizza Hut look and flavor.

Cavatini Variations

Want to customize the recipe? Here are the best variations:

1. Supreme-Style Cavatini

Add:

black olives
extra bell peppers
additional mushrooms
diced tomatoes

2. Spicy Cavatini

Mix in:

hot Italian sausage
red pepper flakes
jalapeños

3. Three-Cheese Cavatini

Use a mixture of:

mozzarella
provolone
cheddar or Italian blend

4. Vegetarian Cavatini

Skip the meat and add:

zucchini
spinach
roasted red peppers
extra mushrooms

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Cavatini freezes extremely well.

Freeze up to 3 months:

in individual containers
or as a whole unbaked casserole

Reheat

Microwave individual portions 2–3 minutes
Bake whole casseroles at 350°F for 20–25 minutes

What to Serve with Cavatini

This hearty pasta dish pairs perfectly with:

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Breadsticks
Italian chopped salad
Roasted vegetables

For the full Pizza Hut nostalgia, serve with a side of ranch or cheese sticks!

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta did Pizza Hut originally use?

Rotini and small shells—this combination is essential for the original texture.

Can I use different protein?

Yes. You can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based crumbles.

What sauce tastes closest to Pizza Hut’s?

A mix of pasta sauce + pizza sauce gives the most authentic flavor.

How do I keep cavatini from drying out?

Add an extra ½ cup of pasta sauce before baking if you like your casserole extra saucy.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pizza Hut Cavatini Recipe

This Pizza Hut Cavatini recipe is everything you want in a comfort food classic—cheesy, hearty, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or simply craving a crowd-pleasing baked pasta, this homemade version hits every note of the original.

It’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a large family, and customizable to suit any taste. Once you try it, you may never miss the restaurant version again!