Best Easy Chili Cavatappi Recipes

BAKED CAVATAPPI WITH SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500˚ F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, cook the sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to a plate using a slotted spoon.
• Heat 1 more tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and herbes de Provence and cook 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, sausage and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more cooking water. Stir the pasta into the sauce.
• Whisk the ricotta, 1/4 cup cheese blend, the lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 3 tablespoons cooking water in a bowl. Layer half of the pasta and ricotta mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish, then top with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture and cheese blend. Bake until bubbly, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Toss the lettuce with the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Serve with the pasta.

TEXAS CHILI PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef and bell pepper over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked and bell pepper is crisp-tender; drain.
• Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, beans and water. Reduce heat to medium; simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Add pasta, two-thirds of the French-fried onions and 1 cup of the cheese; stir gently. Spoon into baking dish.
• Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; place foil sprayed side down over baking dish. Bake 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining French-fried onions, the bacon and remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.