Cavatielli Pasta

Cavatielli Pasta: A Southern Italian Delight

Cavatielli, meaning “little hollows” in Italian, is a small, hollowed-out pasta shape from the Campania region of Southern Italy. These ridged, tubular pasta are perfect for capturing flavorful sauces and are often served with hearty ingredients like sausage, vegetables, and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Versatile: Cavatielli pairs well with a variety of sauces, from simple tomato sauce to creamy pesto.
• Unique Shape: The hollowed-out shape adds a fun and interesting texture to your dish.
• Flavorful: The ridges of the pasta capture sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy to cook, making it an ideal weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cavatielli pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatielli and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage¹ from the skillet and set aside.²
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked cavatielli to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving):

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	400-500
Protein	20-25g
Fat	15-20g
Carbohydrates	50-60g
Fiber	3-5g
Sodium	500-700mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the best sauce for cavatielli? Cavatielli pairs well with a variety of sauces, including simple tomato sauce, creamy pesto, and even meat sauces.
2. Can I use other types of sausage? Yes, you can use other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute the sausage with vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini.
4. What are some other toppings for cavatielli? Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil are classic toppings.
5. Can I cook cavatielli ahead of time? You can cook the pasta ahead of time, but it’s best to prepare the sauce and combine everything just before serving.

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish of cavatielli!