Description
This Creamy Cavatappi recipe is a comforting and delicious pasta dish featuring curly cavatappi noodles enveloped in a rich, cheesy white sauce made from mozzarella, Parmesan, and a smooth roux-based cream sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or when you crave a cheesy, creamy pasta that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Make the roux and sauce base: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add milk and cream: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream together, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate cheeses and season: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, to taste.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Allow it to heat together for 1 to 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the creamy pasta with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon before serving.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to incorporate more vegetables into the dish.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for the smoothest, creamiest sauce texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
