20 Cavatappi Pasta Recipes to Twirl Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks (2024)

20 Cavatappi Pasta Recipes to Twirl Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks (1)

Are you ready to indulge in a bowl of deliciousness? Look no further than cavatappi pasta! With its unique spiral shape, this pasta is perfect for trapping all of those mouthwatering sauces and flavors.

In today's blog post, we'll explore the best cavatappi pasta recipes that will leave you craving for more. From creamy, cheesy creations to light and refreshing dishes, there's something for everyone. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of irresistible cavatappi pasta recipes!

1. Creamy Cavatappi Pasta

20 Cavatappi Pasta Recipes to Twirl Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks (2)

Creamy Cavatappi Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines tender cavatappi noodles with salty bacon and rich sun-dried tomatoes. Tossed in a delicate and flavorful cream sauce, this recipe is perfect as a light main dish or a decadent side.

The hollow, corkscrew-shaped cavatappi pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making each bite a delight. With just a few ingredients, this recipe is quick to make, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish. Overall, Creamy Cavatappi Pasta is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is sure to please pasta lovers of all ages.

2. Pesto Cavatappi

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Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious and popular pasta dish that combines springy cavatappi pasta with creamy pesto sauce and bright diced tomatoes. It can be made with or without mushrooms and can be customized with different types of pasta.

The addition of white wine and heavy whipping cream adds depth to the sauce. Whether made with homemade or store-bought pesto, this recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal option.

3. Cavatappi Pasta

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The Cavatappi Pasta recipe is a simple and delicious dish that features curly pasta tossed with sautéed zucchini, peppers, and browned sausage.

The addition of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch to this easy stovetop dinner. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer vegetables in a light and flavorful pasta dish.

4. Cavatappi Pasta with Cream Sauce

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Cavatappi Pasta with Cream Sauce is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender cavatappi noodles with a rich and creamy parmesan cheese sauce. This easy recipe takes only 15 minutes to make and offers a comforting and flavorful meal option.

The corkscrew shape of the cavatappi pasta allows it to hold the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is filled with delicious flavor. Overall, this recipe is a winner for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

5. Creamy Cavatappi

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Creamy Cavatappi is a simple and delicious pasta dish that can be made gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. The white wine cream sauce adds a light yet creamy flavor to the dish. It can be customized with extra veggies or protein for added nutrients and filling.

The recipe offers options for both dairy-free and regular cream cheese, making it versatile. The curly cavatappi noodles are recommended, but any pasta can be used. Overall, Creamy Cavatappi is a quick and satisfying dinner option.

6. Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

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Cavatappi Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, 3-cheese sauce coats spiral-shaped cavatappi pasta, creating a rich and satisfying dish. The addition of a Parmesan-Panko topping adds a crunchy texture.

This classic side dish is elevated with the use of cavatappi pasta, making it heartier and more enjoyable to eat. Perfect for a crowd, this mac and cheese is a hit at parties and gatherings.

7. Creamy Bacon, Mushroom, and Asparagus Cavatappi

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Creamy Bacon, Mushroom, and Asparagus Cavatappi is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, fresh asparagus, and sliced mushrooms in a creamy garlic gouda sauce.

The cavatappi pasta adds a fun twist to the dish, but can be substituted with other pasta shapes if needed. Overall, this recipe is easy to make and delivers a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.

8. Cheesy Bacon Cavatappi Pasta

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Cheesy Bacon Cavatappi Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked pasta dish. It features cavatappi noodles coated in a creamy sauce made with Campbell's cream of bacon soup, milk, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

The dish is then topped with more cheese and crispy bacon bits before being baked to perfection. This recipe is a delicious comfort food option for a weeknight dinner.

9. Copycat Carrabba's Cavatappi Amatriciana

20 Cavatappi Pasta Recipes to Twirl Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks (10)

Copycat Carrabba's Cavatappi Amatriciana is a flavorful and zesty pasta dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. The dish features swirly Cavatappi noodles tossed in a homemade sauce made with tomatoes, pancetta, onion, and Romano cheese.

It is a delicious and easy-to-make family meal that can be served with a salad and grilled chicken. Overall, it is a great weeknight option for pasta lovers.

10. Baked Mac and Cheese

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This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a simple and delicious take on the classic comfort food. The combination of well-cooked cavatappi pasta and a generous amount of melty cheese creates a creamy and satisfying dish.

While the recipe suggests using a combination of sharp cheddar and gruyere, you can customize it with your preferred cheeses as long as they melt well. The dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a side, making it a versatile option for any meal. Overall, this Baked Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleasing favorite that is sure to satisfy any macaroni and cheese lover.

11. Cavatappi Pasta with Basil Marinara

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Cavatappi Pasta with Basil Marinara is a simple and affordable vegetarian dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners. The use of fresh basil infuses the marinara sauce with a delicious flavor, while adding butter at the end creates a smooth texture.

This pasta pairs well with rich sides like creamy brie or fresh bread with olive oil. Overall, it's a tasty and easy-to-make recipe that is sure to satisfy pasta lovers.

12. Southwestern Chicken Cavatappi

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The Southwestern Chicken Cavatappi is a flavorful and satisfying one-dish meal. It combines cavatappi pasta, roasted chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa, all smothered in a rich homemade pepper-jack cheese sauce.

The dish has a sassy macaroni and cheese vibe and is perfect for busy families looking for a quick and easy dinner option. The recipe allows for customization with different types of pasta, cheese, and cooked chicken. Overall, the Southwestern Chicken Cavatappi is a delicious and convenient option for a weeknight meal.

13. Cellentani Pasta in Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

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The Cellentani Pasta in Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce is a delightful and easy vegetarian pasta dish. The creamy tomato sauce, made with roasted cherry tomatoes, adds a burst of flavor to the cavatappi pasta shells.

The addition of peas and a touch of heavy cream creates a rich and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for packing a delicious lunch.

14. Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Sauce

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Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that showcases an elegant, rich tomato sauce spiked with cream and red pepper. The corkscrew-shaped cavatappi pasta perfectly clings to the sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures.

The use of three different sources of tomatoes adds layers of flavor that truly elevate the dish. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a delicious and authentic Italian experience.

15. Instant Pot Mushroom Pasta

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The Instant Pot Mushroom Pasta is a delicious and easy one-pot meal. With sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, it offers a rich and earthy flavor. The creamy cheese sauce, made with cream cheese and freshly grated parmesan, adds a smooth and savory touch.

The cavatappi pasta cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot, absorbing the flavorful chicken broth. Overall, this recipe is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

16. Easy Macaroni and Cheese with Cavatappi Pasta

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Easy Macaroni and Cheese with Cavatappi Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that surpasses any frozen macaroni and cheese. The cavatappi pasta adds a hearty texture to the creamy and cheesy sauce.

It's a simple recipe that can be easily customized by adding cooked ground meat or vegetables. This dish is the ultimate comfort food and a must-try for mac and cheese lovers.

17. Pasta Bake

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Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that features cavatappi pasta coated in a savory tomato "awesome sauce" and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It's the perfect meal to serve a crowd and is loved for its tangy and flavorful sauce.

The addition of chopped green olives adds a unique twist, adding a savory saltiness to the dish. Overall, Pasta Bake is a belly-filling and satisfying pasta recipe that is sure to be a hit.

18. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

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Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delicious Italian dish made with homemade marinara sauce, kalamata olives, and cavatappi pasta. The addition of sun dried tomatoes adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.

It is a vegetarian option that is perfect for meatless Mondays or any day of the week. The pasta is cooked in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. Garnished with grated parmesan, it is a delightful and satisfying meal.

19. Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad

20 Cavatappi Pasta Recipes to Twirl Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks (20)

Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of curly cavatappi pasta, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette dressing. It's a quick and easy salad that is perfect for summer barbecues, with flavors that come together in just 15 minutes.

The addition of mini marinated mozzarella balls adds a creamy texture, while the cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness. Overall, this salad is a delicious and refreshing option for pasta lovers.

20. Baked Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese

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Baked Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese. The recipe uses cavatappi pasta, which provides more surface area for the creamy tomato sauce to cling to.

The combination of homemade marinara sauce and tomato paste adds a rich and flavorful element to the dish. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, this baked mac and cheese is a comforting and satisfying meal.

20 Cavatappi Pasta Recipes to Twirl Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks (2024)

FAQs

What is cavatappi best for? ›

Cavatappi is a short S-shaped pasta tube that looks similar to a small corkscrew. Its slender, spiral shape makes it great for serving with sauces, in salads, and baked in casseroles. Cavatappi works well with any sauce but pairs especially wonderfully with sauces that include vegetables and lean proteins.

What is the best shape of pasta for cavatappi? ›

Cavatappi is named for its “corkscrew” shape—a shape that is great for capturing hearty sauces and chunky ingredients. A sturdy, versatile Italian pasta, Cavatappi is an excellent feature in primavera vegetable sauces, classic tomato sauces, creamy cheese sauces, meat ragùs, baked pasta recipes and picnic pasta salads.

What pasta is similar to cavatappi? ›

Fusilli. With more ridges, twists, and turns than cavatappi or cellentani, fusilli is another short corkscrew-shaped pasta that's worth cooking any night of the week. It's one of the most versatile shapes of the bunch, its ridges catching bits of meat, vegetables, and sauce.

How do Italians twirl pasta? ›

A final tip, unless you're a child, twirling your spaghetti against the surface of a spoon might get you a few strange looks in Italy. The correct technique involves just using a fork, then twirling your pasta against the surface of your plate.

What's the difference between cavatelli and cavatappi? ›

Cavatappi is macaroni formed in a helical tube shape. Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew. Cavatelli resembles a tiny hot dog bun. Commonly known as "shells" or "seashells." These are usually sold in the plain durum wheat variety, and also in colored varieties.

What is the rarest pasta shape? ›

Su filindeu is made by pulling and folding semolina dough into 256 perfectly even strands with the tips of your fingers, and then stretching the needle-thin wires diagonally across a circular frame in an intricate three-layer pattern.

What is the hardest pasta shape to make? ›

Join me as I take on the challenge of making the elusive Buciate pasta shape. Learn how to overcome the difficulties of shaping these noodles and enjoy a delicious homemade pesto al chapanese.

Does Barilla make cavatappi? ›

A delightful corkscrew-shaped pasta, Barilla® Cellentani is as fun to look at as it is to eat.

What is another name for cavatappi pasta? ›

Cellentani is also known as Cavatappi, which translates from Italian to “corkscrew;” the other common object this cut resembles.

What is spiral macaroni called? ›

Cavatappi (Italian: [kavaˈtappi]; lit. 'corkscrews') is macaroni formed in a helical tube shape. Certain areas of the US and Canada may also refer to it as "double elbows" or "scoobi doo" pasta, purportedly because of their resemblance to scoubidou.

How do you make spiral pasta shapes? ›

In some regions, the dough is wrapped around the 'ferro' by placing the ferro at an angle over one end of a pasta strand and rolling it in a way that the pasta wraps around the rod in a spiral shape.

What tool do you use to twirl spaghetti? ›

But I can tell you that the overwhelming majority of Italians in Italy today use only a fork for twirling spaghetti.

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