Cavatappi Pasta With Creamy Pesto
Inspired by Noodles & Company pesto pasta, this cavatappi pasta recipe has the same delicious taste but is so easy to make. Even using homemade pesto for extra bright and bold flavor, the dish comes together in 20 minutes. It packs in lots of vegetables with a smooth cream sauce making it a vegetarian pasta lover's dream!
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz cavatappi pasta 453 g
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter 14 g
- 8 oz sliced button mushrooms 226 g
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- ½ medium red onion sliced
- 1 cup pesto homemade preferred for a brighter color and flavor, 200 g
- ¼ cup heavy cream 60 mL
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan 40 g
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook 16 oz cavatappi pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
- Flavor Base: Melt 1 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat, then add 8 oz sliced button mushrooms and cook until golden brown and a bit crispy around the edges, about 10 minutes. Add 2 roma tomatoes (diced) and ½ medium red onion (sliced), and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Sauce: Remove pan from heat and stir in 1 cup pesto and ¼ cup heavy cream.
- Serve: Str in cooked pasta and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan. Serve warm!
Video
Notes
Storage: This pasta is best enjoyed right away but it can be stored in the fridge. I will keep for 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove top slowly with a splash of vegetable broth or cream to rehydrate it or in short 30 second bursts in the microwave.
Can I add more protein to this pesto pasta?
Yup, you could add white beans to the dish or try using a protein pasta like Loopdy Loops from Goodles. Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, use vegan heavy cream and vegan parmesan. Just be sure you used vegan parmesan for your pesto. Can I use store-bought pesto?
I know it's convenient, but I don't recommend it because it lacks flavor. And I promise, making homemade pesto is SO simple to do.
Yup, you could add white beans to the dish or try using a protein pasta like Loopdy Loops from Goodles. Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, use vegan heavy cream and vegan parmesan. Just be sure you used vegan parmesan for your pesto. Can I use store-bought pesto?
I know it's convenient, but I don't recommend it because it lacks flavor. And I promise, making homemade pesto is SO simple to do.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 680kcal | Carbohydrates: 117.1g | Protein: -423.9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5.9g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 6.6g | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 5mg
