Easy Creamy Cavatappi Pasta Recipe for the Perfect Weeknight Meal

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, this creamy cavatappi pasta recipe is exactly what you need.

With its unique corkscrew shape, cavatappi holds onto every drop of rich, velvety sauce, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you simply crave something cozy, this pasta comes together in under 30 minutes.

Made with simple ingredients like cream, cheese, garlic, and butter, it’s a dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal everyone will love.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4-6 people
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The corkscrew shape of cavatappi pasta is absolutely perfect for holding onto that silky cream sauce – every bite is guaranteed to be packed with flavor. Unlike other pasta shapes that let the sauce slide off, cavatappi’s spirals and hollow center trap the creamy goodness, creating the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio in every forkful.

I’ve also found this recipe to be wonderfully adaptable. Sometimes I’ll fold in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra nutrients, other times I’ll add grilled chicken or crispy pancetta for protein. The base recipe is so solid that it welcomes these additions beautifully while maintaining its creamy, dreamy character.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or pasta fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using fresh Parmesan)
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Fill your large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).

Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining, then drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Start the Cream Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and eliminating any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add the Dairy

Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking while stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and gradually whisk in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the drained cavatappi to the cream sauce and toss gently to coat every piece. If needed, return to low heat for 1-2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately in warmed bowls with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Cavatappi

Don’t skip the pasta water: The starchy pasta cooking water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.

Temperature matters: Remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating.

Fresh is best: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-grated cheese and provides superior flavor.

Timing is everything: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking, as this recipe moves quickly once you begin.

Variations to Try

Chicken and Broccoli: Add 2 cups cooked chicken breast and 2 cups steamed broccoli florets.

Mushroom Lovers: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.

Bacon Bliss: Crisp 6 strips of bacon, crumble, and fold into the finished pasta.

Veggie Delight: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover creamy cavatappi pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet over low heat and gently warm the pasta, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This creamy cavatappi pasta recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals can be made right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and a little know-how. The combination of perfectly cooked spiral pasta and luxuriously smooth cream sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated – exactly what weeknight dinners should be.