20 Best Cavatappi Recipes

If you have a bag of cavatappi pasta in your pantry and are wondering what to make with it, look no further!

I’ve rounded up 20 of the best cavatappi recipes for you to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a hearty pasta dish, a light and refreshing salad, or a comforting soup, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try the next time you’re looking for a new and exciting way to use cavatappi pasta!

20 Best Cavatappi Recipes

Cavatappi is a type of pasta that is often overlooked.

But it shouldn’t be!

Cavatappi is a versatile pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Plus, it’s easy to cook with and can be found in most supermarkets.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when cooking cavatappi:

• First, as with any pasta, make sure to properly measure your cavatappi. A good rule of thumb is that one cup of dry pasta is equal to two servings.
• Next, be careful not to overcook your cavatappi. It should be cooked until it is al dente, or just tender. overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its shape.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes! Cavatappi pairs well with just about anything, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Need some inspiration?

Try one of these 20 cavatappi recipes:

Cavatappi with Bacon and Roasted Broccoli

I have to say it.

Bacon is magical.

It makes everything better.

And this cavatappi with bacon and roasted broccoli is no exception.

The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to the dish, while the roasted broccoli provides a nice crunch and a pop of color.

If you want to make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Make it cheesy by stirring in some shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese.
• Switch out the bacon for pancetta or ham for a different flavor profile.
• Add in some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra touch of flavor.

Hard Rock Cafe Copycat Twisted Mac & Cheese

This is a copycat version of a favorite restaurant dish – Hard Rock Cafe’s Twisted Mac & Cheese.

It’s a delicious, creamy mac and cheese that’s loaded with bacon and topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping.

While this dish is already pretty amazing, there are a few things you could do to make it even better:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
• Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

Simple Creamy Cavatappi Pasta

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best.

This creamy cavatappi pasta is the perfect example.

Made with just a few ingredients, it comes together in under 30 minutes and is so comforting and satisfying.

I like to keep things simple when I make this dish, but there are a few ways you could mix things up:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Cavatappi and Meatball Bake with Mozzarella Bruschetta

Just look at this bubbly, cheesy goodness!

This cavatappi and meatball bake is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night.

The mozzarella bruschetta topping takes it over the top and makes it even more delicious.

See Also: best tasting tomatoes for bruschetta

Here are a few ideas for how you could make this dish even better:

• Try using a different type of pasta, like shells or rigatoni (See Also: 13 Best Sauces for Rigatoni Pasta).
• Switch up the meatballs and use ground beef, pork, or turkey instead of Italian sausage.
• Add some veggies to the mix, like chopped spinach or diced bell peppers.
• Make your own mozzarella bruschetta topping by mixing fresh mozzarella with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.

Creamy Cacio e Pepe with Cavatappi Pasta

This twisty cavatappi pasta recipe is an Italian classic made from 3 simple ingredients: cheese, pepper and pasta.

It’s the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make it veggie-packed by stirring in some roasted broccoli, kale, or mushrooms.
• Make it extra creamy by adding a splash of milk or cream to the sauce.
• Sprinkle on some shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.

3 Cheese Cavatappi

Any true cheese lover will tell you that there’s nothing better than a big bowl of cheesy pasta.

This 3 cheese cavatappi recipe is the perfect example.

The best part?

It only takes about 15 minutes to make, so it’s the perfect weeknight dinner.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it extra creamy by stirring in a cup of cooked, shredded chicken.
• Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for some color and flavor.

Cherry Tomato & Ricotta Cavatappi

Cherry tomatoes aren’t just for snacking – they make a delicious pasta sauce, too!

This easy cherry tomato and ricotta cavatappi is the perfect weeknight meal.

It comes together in just 30 minutes, and it’s so much more flavorful than anything you could get from a jar.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Make it extra creamy by stirring in a few spoonfuls of heavy cream.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• Swap out the ricotta for mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Mushroom Cavatappi

Springy cavatappi spirals, a creamy garlic herb sauce, and a sprinkling of Parmesan come together in this decadent mushroom pasta dish.

This dish is so rich and creamy, you’ll never believe it’s actually lightened up!

I love to add a mix of mushrooms for different textures and flavors, but you could use just one type if that’s what you have on hand.

Try swapping out the cavatappi for another type of pasta, like fusilli or rigatoni.

And for an extra bit of flavor, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme.

Cavatappi with Broccolini, Brown Butter, and Sage

If you don’t mind a little prep work, this cavatappi recipe is definitely worth a try.

It’s got all the flavors of fall – earthy sage, rich brown butter, and crispy broccolini.

And it comes together pretty quickly, especially if you have someone to help with the chopping.

Here are a few ideas for how you could make this dish even better:

• Add some pancetta or bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
• Swap out the broccolini for roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted cauliflower.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Cheesy Bacon Cavatappi Pasta

Cheesy, salty, and just a little bit spicy, this pasta is sure to become a new family favorite.

Bacon, cavatappi pasta, and a creamy sauce come together to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

And it’s so easy to make!

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some veggies like diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Swap out the bacon for sausage or chicken.
• Make it extra cheesy with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
• Add a kick of heat with some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.

Pesto Cavatappi

You can add so many different things to this dish to make it your own.

Some of my favorite ideas include:

• Adding grilled chicken or shrimp for some extra protein.
• Swapping out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spiralized sweet potato to make it healthier.
• Using a different kind of cheese, like goat cheese or gorgonzola, in the pesto sauce.
• Mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts for an extra flavor punch.
• Topping with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Noodles and Company Pesto Cavatappi (Copycat Recipe)

Here’s another copycat recipe from an amazing restaurant – Noodles and Company!

Their pesto cavatappi is one of my favorites, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.

This dish is creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make.

To make it even better, you could:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.

Classic Pesto Cavatappi

You can’t argue with a classic.

This pesto cavatappi recipe is quick, easy, and delicious.

But if you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few ideas:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make it a meal by adding in some veggies like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Switch out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spiralized sweet potato to make it gluten-free or low-carb.
• Add a little heat with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it creamy with a dollop of ricotta cheese on top.

Vegan And Gluten-Free Pesto Cavatappi

If you’re vegan or can’t eat gluten, you know how difficult it can be to find recipes that fit your dietary restrictions.

But this vegan and gluten-free pesto cavatappi is a delicious option that everyone can enjoy.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile.

You can use any type of pasta you like, and swap out the pesto for a different sauce if you’re not a fan of basil.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some protein like tofu.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

Italian Fried Cavatappi Pasta Recipe

Crispy, salty, and completely addicting, this Italian fried cavatappi pasta recipe is a must-try.

The best part is that it comes together in just a few minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top.
• Mix in some cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Cavatappi Pasta with Cream Sauce

Tender cavatappi noodles and an easy creamy parmesan cheese cream sauce come together to create this delicious and comforting pasta dish.

This recipe is so easy to make and can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Stir in some frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Creamy Chicken Sausage & Kale Cavatappi Recipe

I love sausage, kale and pasta all together in this creamy chicken sausage & kale cavatappi recipe.

The combination of flavorful chicken sausage, nutritious kale, and starchy pasta makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

And it’s so easy to make! Simply cook the chicken sausage and kale together, then add some cream and seasonings to create a deliciously creamy sauce.

Toss with cooked cavatappi pasta, and you’re done.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top.
• Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Who doesn’t love a creamy, dreamy pasta dish?

This cavatappi with creamy tomato sauce is definitely one of my favorites.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make, and you can easily customize it to your liking.

Here are a few ideas for how you could make this dish even better:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top.
• Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Cavatappi with Asparagus and Spinach Pesto

This cavatappi recipe is packed with healthy ingredients like asparagus, spinach, and walnuts.

It’s also really easy to make – you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes!

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Swap out the cavatappi for another type of pasta, like fusilli or rigatoni.
• Make it vegan by using vegan pesto and leaving out the Parmesan cheese.
• Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Bacon, Mushroom and Asparagus Cavatappi

What more could you want in a pasta dish than bacon, mushrooms and asparagus?

This cavatappi recipe has it all – it’s hearty, filling and so flavorful.

The best part is that it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Swap out the asparagus for broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• Make it a complete meal by adding cooked chicken or shrimp.