Creamy Cavatappi Pasta Bake with Cod, Roasted Peppers and Mozzarella

There’s something magical about a bubbling, golden-brown pasta bake straight from the oven. This dish combines curly cavatappi, tender strips of roasted bell pepper and flaky cod in a creamy tomato-herb sauce. Topped with fresh mozzarella and a crispy panko crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.

Best of all, this recipe comes together in one pan (or baking dish) with minimal fuss. The roasted peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the chili flakes give a gentle kick. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta bake is guaranteed to satisfy your carb cravings.

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Ingredients

14 ounce Marinara SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Icelandic CodView 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 an oven rack to the top position and preheat the oven to 400°F. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Halve the bell pepper lengthwise, removing the stem and seeds. Thinly slice the chives. Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-size pieces.
2. Rub each bell pepper half with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast on the top rack until softened and lightly charred, 20-25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until just melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and season with salt. Set aside.
4. Once the water is boiling, add the cavatappi and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
5. While the pasta cooks, heat a large ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinara sauce, 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 the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Once the bell pepper is done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Transfer to a cutting board and thinly slice. Turn the broiler to high. Stir the sliced bell pepper and drained cavatappi into the pan with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. (If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer the mixture to a baking dish.) Sprinkle the pasta mixture evenly with the mozzarella and then the panko mixture. Broil until the cheese melts and the panko is golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Sprinkle the pasta bake with the remaining chives and as many remaining chili flakes as you like. Serve family style or divide among plates.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute the cod with another firm white fish like haddock or pollock. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish (without broiling) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then broil just before serving.

What can I use instead of cavatappi?

Any short pasta shape works well, such as penne, fusilli or rigatoni. Cook according to package directions.