If you’re searching for a dish that’s both delightfully comforting and bursting with vibrant flavor, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Pesto Cavatappi Recipe. Imagine perfectly spiraled pasta enveloped in a lush, creamy pesto sauce, kissed by garlic and enriched with a touch of butter and cream. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet comes together surprisingly quickly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s incredibly satisfying and wonderfully fresh every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this irresistible Pesto Cavatappi Recipe, you just need a handful of everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to build an amazing flavor profile. Each component plays a key role, from the pasta’s chewy texture to the pesto’s herbaceous punch and the creamy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta: The curly shape is perfect for catching every bit of that luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses depth and a tantalizing aroma.
- 8 ounces basil pesto: The star of the dish, providing bright, herby, garlicky goodness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings a velvety texture and smoothness to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil: Essential toppings that add savory sharpness and an extra pop of color.
How to Make Pesto Cavatappi Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Your pasta deserves a rolling boil so it can cook evenly without turning gummy or sticky. Only add the cavatappi once the water is vigorously bubbling. This simple step sets the foundation for perfectly al dente noodles that will hold up beautifully to the sauce.
Step 2: Cook Pasta Al Dente and Reserve Water
Cook the cavatappi according to the package instructions until just tender but still firm when bitten. Before draining, scoop out and save half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid is magical for loosening up the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta in later steps.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
While your pasta simmers, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant — this quick sauté wakes up the garlic without letting it burn, laying down a rich and aromatic flavor foundation.
Step 4: Add Pesto and Season
Stir the basil pesto and salt into the garlic butter. Let the mixture gently bubble to warm through, which helps release the vibrant flavors of the pesto and meld everything together into a savory, herby sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Pasta Water
Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring constantly. This not only loosens the pesto mixture but also starts to thicken it into a silky sauce that will coat each piece of cavatappi irresistibly well.
Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the heavy cream. Let it cook for a few minutes until it reduces slightly, creating a luxuriously creamy consistency that balances the fresh pesto flavors perfectly. If you want, this is a great moment to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or another protein of your choice for an extra hearty meal.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Make sure every twist and curl of cavatappi is generously coated. This final melding step ensures every bite bursts with that irresistible pesto-coated goodness.
Step 8: Serve with Parmesan and Basil
Plate up your pasta and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. These toppings not only add a savory punch and fresh aroma but also make the dish look absolutely inviting.
How to Serve Pesto Cavatappi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must; it melts wonderfully into the warm sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh basil leaves add vibrant color and a burst of herbal fragrance that really elevates the dish. For a little crunch, consider tossing some toasted pine nuts on top.
Side Dishes
Pesto Cavatappi Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes complement the dish’s fresh, garden flavors perfectly. A warm baguette on the side is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic into a crowd-pleaser by serving it family-style in a big, colorful bowl that invites sharing. For dinner parties, plate the pesto pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a gourmet touch. It’s a simple dish that shines with thoughtful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pesto Cavatappi Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes okay, especially if you plan to reheat it quickly. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove with a bit of cream or water to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent sticking and to encourage the sauce to loosen. If using a microwave, add a splash of cream or water and heat slowly in short bursts, stirring in between, so the pasta stays creamy and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of cavatappi?
Absolutely! While cavatappi’s ridges and curves are perfect for holding sauce, any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can work well in this Pesto Cavatappi Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it’s fully vegetarian as written. Just ensure your pesto doesn’t contain any non-vegetarian ingredients like certain cheeses made with animal rennet if you want to be extra cautious.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Swap out butter for olive oil, use a vegan pesto or make your own without cheese, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
What proteins pair well with Pesto Cavatappi Recipe?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu are great options that complement the herbal richness of the pesto while adding satisfying substance.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can make the pesto sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture, but if you need to prep in advance, slightly undercook the cavatappi, toss it with a little olive oil, and reheat gently with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Cavatappi Recipe is truly one of those dishes that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. Easy to whip up yet undeniably impressive, it’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again because it’s just that good!
Print
Pesto Cavatappi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Pesto Cavatappi recipe combines perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta with a rich basil pesto sauce enhanced by butter, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the corkscrew-shaped pasta. Garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish is both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or any pasta you have on hand, gluten-free if required)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces basil pesto
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Make sure the water is rapidly boiling before adding the pasta to prevent it from becoming gummy or sticky.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Pesto and Salt: Stir in the basil pesto and salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the pesto to bubble and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Pasta Water: Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes glossy.
- Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream slightly reduces and the sauce is creamy. At this stage, you can add cooked protein if desired.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the rich pesto sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pesto cavatappi and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and helps it cling to the pasta.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu at Step 6 for added protein.
- Use fresh basil leaves to enhance the freshness and aroma when serving.
- Be careful not to overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
