Easy Pesto Cavatappi
This Easy Pesto Cavatappi is a bright, herby pasta dish loaded with flavor and ready in minutes. Tender, curly cavatappi pasta is tossed in a creamy basil pesto sauce and optionally paired with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and sautéed veggies or protein. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels fancy but comes together fast with minimal ingredients!
Time Required
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz cavatappi pasta (or any curly pasta)
Salt, for pasta water
For the Pesto Sauce:
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp pasta cooking water (optional, to thin sauce)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup baby spinach or arugula
1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
Extra Parmesan and fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 2 tbsp pasta water, then drain.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, stir together the pesto and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
Add Pasta to Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Mix in Add-Ins (Optional):
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or pre-cooked protein. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Season & Serve:
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
Salt the Pasta Water Generously:
This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself and makes a difference in simple dishes like this.
Reserve Pasta Water:
The starchy water helps thin the sauce and bind it to the noodles—don’t skip this step!
Use High-Quality Pesto:
Whether store-bought or homemade, a good pesto makes a huge difference. Look for one with real basil, Parmesan, and olive oil (not mostly fillers).
Don’t Overcook the Cream:
Warm it gently with the pesto—just a light simmer. Boiling can cause it to separate.
Toss Pasta Immediately:
Combine pasta and sauce while everything is hot so it coats evenly and absorbs flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try
Make It Creamier:
Add 1–2 oz cream cheese or a splash of milk along with the heavy cream for extra richness.
Add Protein:
Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Go Vegetarian:
Stir in roasted veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Chickpeas are also great for extra protein.
Add Crunch:
Top with toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or crispy breadcrumbs for texture and nutty flavor.
Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil if you like a little heat.
Lemon Zest Finish:
Add a bit of lemon zest or juice at the end to brighten the flavors and cut the richness.
Vegan Option:
Use dairy-free pesto, coconut cream or unsweetened oat cream, and vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
Q&A – Easy Pesto Cavatappi
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While cavatappi holds the sauce well, you can use penne, fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook it al dente.
Q2: Is store-bought pesto okay to use?
Absolutely! Just choose a high-quality brand with real basil and olive oil. You can also use refrigerated pesto for fresher flavor.
Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes—use a plant-based cream alternative (like oat, coconut, or cashew cream) and dairy-free pesto and cheese.
Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
Pesto pasta is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Q5: What can I use instead of cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a mix of Greek yogurt and pasta water for a lighter option.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving – Serves 4)
Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 12% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 8% DV
Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on the pesto, cream, and optional add-ins used.
Conclusion
Easy Pesto Cavatappi is a deliciously simple yet elevated pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With its creamy, herby pesto sauce and endless possibilities for customization, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for vegetarians, families, and even picky eaters. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to deliver bold, satisfying flavor.
Pair it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread—and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!