Pesto Cavatappi Copycat
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of this Pesto Cavatappi Copycat recipe, a spot-on recreation of a restaurant favorite. Tender cavatappi pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made with basil pesto, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then brought to life with sautéed garlic, sweet grape tomatoes, and baby spinach. Perfectly balanced with a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, this quick and easy dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners that feel gourmet. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, and watch as this irresistible comfort meal becomes a new family favorite!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz cavatappi pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3
Add the halved grape or cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release some of their juices.
Step 4
Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Step 6
Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 7
Gently fold in the baby spinach, letting it wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta and sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 8
Serve the Pesto Cavatappi hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (955.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2173.4 |
| Total Fat 155.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 72.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 330.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2968.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 120.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.0g | |
| Protein 60.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1156.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 765.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories