Creamy Cavatappi

Creamy Cavatappi is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring corkscrew-shaped noodles coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner—easy to customize with veggies, proteins, or extra cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying
• Cavatappi’s spiral shape holds sauce beautifully
• Simple ingredients and minimal prep
• Versatile for add-ins like chicken, bacon, or vegetables
• A perfect weeknight comfort meal

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: peas, spinach, bacon, grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes, parsley

directions

this recipe

1. Cook the cavatappi in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.
6. Stir in any optional ingredients like peas or bacon. Garnish with more Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach and grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal
• Stir in sundried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist
• Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a baked version
• Replace half the Parmesan with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce

storage/reheating

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce
• Not recommended for freezing due to separation of the cream sauce

FAQs

1. Why is cavatappi good for creamy sauces?

Its spiral shape and ridges trap sauce, making every bite flavorful.

2. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk for best results.

3. How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir it in off the heat for the smoothest texture.

4. Is this vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you skip any meat add-ins.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—peas, spinach, or broccoli are great choices.

6. How do I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream.

7. What proteins go well with this?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage pair beautifully.

8. Can I bake this pasta?

Yes—top with cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil until golden.

9. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Parmesan is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, Gruyère, or Fontina.

10. Can I make it ahead of time?

You can, but reheat gently and add cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Cavatappi is a deliciously simple dish that delivers on both flavor and comfort. With a velvety sauce, perfectly coated pasta, and endless room for customization, it’s a meal you’ll return to again and again—perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever you crave cozy, cheesy goodness.

Print