Creamy Cavatappi Pasta
Featuring a creamy parmesan sauce and tender cavatappi pasta, this simple recipe is suitable served as a meatless entree or as a satisfying side.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta no substitutions for video
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for the pasta water
- ½ to 1 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and 8 ounces cavatappi pasta, stir and cook for 1 minute less than the package directs. This is usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium and allow the butter to melt. Once melted, add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and toast for 30 seconds.
- Slowly add ¾ cup heavy cream to the skillet, whisking into the butter and seasonings. Bring to a low simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce is slightly thickened. ~2-4 minutes
- Add ½ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ to 1 teaspoon finely ground black pepper, into the cream sauce, stirring to incorporate. Add the cooked pasta and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat. Turn the heat to medium and stir constantly, until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta. If needed, add additional reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, iif the sauce seems too thick.
- Remove from the heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve with additional parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley.
Video
Notes
Heavy Cream: Feel free to replace the heavy cream with half and half or whole milk. The sauce will not be as rich or luscious, but still delicious.
Cavatappi Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta with a twisty shape and/or curved edges.
Storage: Let cool slightly, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in a heat-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel, in the microwave, adding with a splash of broth, cream, or water if needed to thin.
Nutritional values are based on 4 large servings. Keep in mind this dish serves 8 as a side.
Nutrition
Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 533mg | Potassium: 209mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 873IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 1mg
