This post contains affiliate links. Purchases may earn TheTastyFlavors a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cavatappi pasta is not just a fun shape; it’s versatile and ready to soak up all kinds of flavors! Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy cheese sauce, a classic marinara, or a fresh summer salad, this collection of 45+ recipes has everything you need to whip up something delicious. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive dishes for entertaining, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here to satisfy every craving.
Pesto Cavatappi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Pesto Cavatappi with sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of basil pesto and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. The cavatappi pasta, with its spiral shape, holds onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite a burst of flavor.
To make this dish, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, fresh basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. Cook the pasta until al dente, then toss it with the pesto and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds a nice texture.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this pasta dish!
Cavatappi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Cavatappi pasta is a fun shape that holds sauce beautifully. In this dish, it pairs perfectly with savory sausage and vibrant broccoli rabe. The combination creates a colorful and appetizing meal.
The image shows a generous serving of cavatappi, tossed with slices of sausage and bright green broccoli rabe. The colors pop, making it look inviting. The garlic and olive oil add a nice touch, enhancing the overall flavor.
To make this dish, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, and olive oil. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and sausage until browned. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until tender. Finally, mix everything together with the pasta, and enjoy!
Cavatappi Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Cavatappi mac and cheese with bacon is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor together. The image shows a plate of cavatappi pasta, perfectly coated in a creamy cheese sauce. Crispy bacon bits are sprinkled on top, adding a savory crunch.
The cavatappi shape is ideal for holding onto the cheese sauce, making each bite satisfying. The combination of cheese and bacon creates a rich taste that is hard to resist. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
To make this delicious meal, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, cheese, milk, butter, and of course, crispy bacon. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pot, melt butter and mix in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and cheese, stirring until smooth. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce and top with crispy bacon bits. Bake until bubbly for an extra touch.
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Lemon Garlic Cavatappi with Shrimp
This dish is a delightful combination of cavatappi pasta, succulent shrimp, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing and appetizing.
The cavatappi pasta, with its spiral shape, holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The shrimp adds a touch of elegance and protein, making it a satisfying meal.
To make this dish, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, fresh shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add the shrimp until they turn pink. Toss everything together with lemon juice and garnish with parsley for a fresh finish.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic complement the shrimp, creating a dish that’s sure to impress.
Creamy Cavatappi with Spinach and Ricotta
Cavatappi pasta is a delightful choice for a creamy dish, especially when paired with fresh spinach and ricotta. This combination brings a burst of flavor and a lovely texture to the table. The spirals of cavatappi hold onto the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying.
In the image, you can see the cavatappi beautifully mixed with vibrant green spinach leaves. The ricotta adds a creamy touch, making the dish look inviting and delicious. Fresh basil leaves scattered around enhance the presentation and add a hint of freshness.
To make this dish, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic, olive oil, and some grated Parmesan for topping. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add the spinach until wilted. Mix in the ricotta and cooked pasta, stirring until everything is well combined. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil.
This creamy cavatappi is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s simple, yet packed with flavor!
Cavatappi Bolognese with Parmesan
Cavatappi Bolognese is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The image showcases a plate of cavatappi pasta topped with a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. The vibrant red sauce contrasts beautifully with the creamy, grated Parmesan sprinkled on top. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner. To make it, you’ll need ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and, of course, cavatappi pasta. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic, then add the ground beef until browned. Mix in the tomatoes and let it simmer to develop those deep flavors.
Cook the cavatappi according to package instructions, then combine it with the sauce. Serve it hot, topped with generous amounts of Parmesan. This dish is not just filling; it’s comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite for many.
Vegetable Primavera Cavatappi
Vegetable Primavera Cavatappi is a colorful and fresh dish that brings together the goodness of pasta and a variety of vegetables. The image showcases a vibrant bowl of cavatappi pasta, twirled perfectly and tossed with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and green zucchini. The bright colors of the vegetables make this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. To make it, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, along with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for flavor. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then sauté the garlic and vegetables in olive oil until tender. Toss everything together with the pasta and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Serve it warm, and you have a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. This dish is versatile, allowing you to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the comforting texture of the cavatappi!
Spicy Cavatappi Arrabbiata
Spicy Cavatappi Arrabbiata is a delightful dish that brings a kick to your pasta night. The image showcases a vibrant bowl of cavatappi pasta, perfectly coated in a rich, red arrabbiata sauce. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness, making the dish visually appealing.
This recipe is simple yet satisfying. Start with cavatappi pasta, which has a unique spiral shape that holds onto the sauce beautifully. The arrabbiata sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes, giving it that signature spicy flavor. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
To make this dish, cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, adding crushed tomatoes, and seasoning with salt and chili flakes. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, toss well, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve it hot for a comforting meal!
Cavatappi with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Cavatappi pasta is a fun and twisty shape that holds sauces beautifully. In this recipe, it pairs perfectly with a roasted red pepper sauce that’s both vibrant and flavorful.
The sauce is made by blending roasted red peppers, garlic, and a splash of cream for richness. Tossing this sauce with cavatappi creates a delightful dish that’s sure to impress.
To make this dish, start by cooking the cavatappi until al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by roasting red peppers until they’re charred, then blending them with garlic and cream. Combine the pasta and sauce, and finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
This meal is not just quick to prepare but also packed with taste. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal!
Cavatappi with Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Cavatappi with spinach and artichoke dip is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. The image shows a bowl of creamy cavatappi pasta, perfectly coated in a rich sauce, with vibrant green spinach peeking through. This dish is not just visually appealing; it’s also packed with taste.
To make this recipe, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, garlic, and a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic, then add spinach and artichokes. Mix in the cream cheese until melted, then combine with the pasta and sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s a fun twist on the classic dip, turning it into a hearty meal that everyone will love!
Cavatappi with Clam Sauce
Cavatappi with clam sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea right to your table. The image shows a beautiful bowl of cavatappi pasta topped with fresh clams, garnished with parsley and a slice of lemon. The vibrant colors make it look appetizing and inviting.
This recipe is simple yet satisfying. You’ll need ingredients like cavatappi pasta, fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of white wine. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add the clams and wine. Cover until the clams open up, and mix in the pasta.
Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh touch. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting texture of the cavatappi!
Cavatappi Salad with Feta and Olives
This Cavatappi Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The pasta curls create a fun texture, making it appealing to both kids and adults. The vibrant red tomatoes and dark olives add a pop of color, while the creamy feta cheese brings a delightful tang.
To make this salad, you’ll need cooked cavatappi pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Fresh basil leaves add a refreshing touch. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss gently.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also great for meal prep. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for picnics or potlucks. The combination of flavors will surely impress your guests!
Cavatappi Alfredo with Mushrooms
Cavatappi Alfredo with mushrooms is a creamy delight that brings comfort to any meal. The twisty pasta shape holds onto the rich Alfredo sauce, making every bite satisfying. The addition of mushrooms adds an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
To make this dish, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, heavy cream, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh mushrooms. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender. Then, stir in the cream and Parmesan, letting it thicken before combining it with the pasta.
Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and serve hot. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Cavatappi and Meatball Skillet
This Cavatappi and Meatball Skillet is a delightful dish that combines the fun shape of cavatappi pasta with hearty meatballs. The image shows a vibrant skillet filled with pasta, meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with fresh herbs and cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like cavatappi pasta, ground meat for the meatballs, tomato sauce, and spices. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to form meatballs. Brown them in the skillet, then add the tomato sauce and let everything simmer together.
Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the meatballs and sauce in the skillet. Top with cheese and let it melt for that extra touch of goodness. Serve hot and enjoy a satisfying meal that brings everyone together!
Buffalo Chicken Cavatappi Bake
This Buffalo Chicken Cavatappi Bake is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. The image shows a plate filled with cavatappi pasta, coated in a rich, creamy buffalo sauce. The pasta is topped with shredded chicken, a sprinkle of cheese, and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
The combination of flavors is sure to please any crowd. The spicy buffalo sauce adds a kick, while the creamy texture balances it out perfectly. This dish is not just filling; it’s also a fun way to enjoy pasta.
To make this recipe, you’ll need cavatappi pasta, cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese until well combined. Then, combine the pasta and chicken mixture in a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Serve it hot, and watch everyone dig in! This dish is perfect for game day or a cozy dinner at home.
