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

Scale

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

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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.