Creamy Cavatappi
Creamy Cavatappi is a delightful pasta dish that combines the fun shape of cavatappi with a rich and creamy sauce. This comforting meal is both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple and quick, so you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Second, the creamy sauce made from cheddar and Parmesan cheeses delivers a rich flavor that everyone will love. Finally, you can customize this dish by adding vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile and enjoyable meal!
How to Make Creamy Cavatappi
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) cavatappi pasta
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the cavatappi in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk to create a smooth roux for about 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper until melted.
- Toss cooked cavatappi into the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s well coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Cavatappi
Creamy Cavatappi is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal. Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor.
How to Store Creamy Cavatappi
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips to Make Creamy Cavatappi
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before tossing it into the sauce.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables to make the dish heartier.
- If you want a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can switch up the cheeses based on your preferences. For a different flavor, try using mozzarella or Gruyère cheese. You could also replace the cavatappi with another pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute cavatappi with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or rotini.
2. Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
You can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cream to make it a bit lighter while still keeping it creamy.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Cavatappi?
It is not recommended to freeze the dish as the cream sauce may not thaw well. However, if you have leftover plain cavatappi, you can freeze it and add cream sauce later.
Enjoy making and eating this delicious Creamy Cavatappi! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
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