Creamy Cavatappi Bake with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Peppers

There’s something magical about a bubbling, golden-brown pasta bake that warms you from the inside out. This cavatappi bake brings together curly pasta, tender strips of roasted bell pepper and savory Italian chicken sausage in a rich, creamy tomato-herb sauce. A blanket of fresh mozzarella and crispy panko breadcrumbs gets broiled to perfection, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Best of all, this dish comes together in a single pan (or baking dish) for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this comforting bake is guaranteed to satisfy all your carb cravings. Serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick.

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Ingredients

14 ounce Marinara SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

9 ounce Italian Chicken Sausage MixView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ChivesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Fresh MozzarellaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Halve bell pepper lengthwise; remove stem and seeds. Thinly slice chives. Tear mozzarella into bite-size pieces.
2. Rub each bell pepper half with a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, cut sides down. Roast on top rack until softened and lightly charred, 20-25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until just melted, 30 seconds. Stir in panko and season with salt.
4. Once water is boiling, add cavatappi to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
5. While pasta cooks, heat a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat. Add marinara, ½ cup water, half the chives, a pinch of chili flakes and a big pinch of salt; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes. Turn off heat; stir in cream cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Once bell pepper is done roasting, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Transfer bell pepper to a cutting board, then thinly slice. Heat broiler to high. Stir sliced bell pepper and drained cavatappi into pan with sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle pasta mixture with mozzarella and panko. Broil until cheese melts and panko is golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Sprinkle pasta bake with remaining chives and as many remaining chili flakes as you like. Serve family style or divide between plates.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni or fusilli works well in this bake. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bake (without broiling) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then broil just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the broil time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.