Description
Corkscrew pasta, also known as cavatappi, is a fun and versatile pasta shape that holds sauces beautifully. This recipe combines perfectly cooked corkscrew pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce and savory add-ins, making it an easy and delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz corkscrew (cavatappi) pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, wilted
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add corkscrew pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
-
Add the Milk & Cheese:
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, letting them melt into a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
-
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Stir in any optional add-ins like chicken, bacon, or veggies.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Serve warm and enjoy your creamy corkscrew pasta!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce cheese quantity.
- For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- For a tomato-based sauce, swap out half of the milk for crushed tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Corkscrew Pasta Recipe, Cavatappi Pasta, Cheesy Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Easy Pasta Dish