The Easiest Pesto Cavatappi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons: It’s quick and easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The pesto sauce gives the cavatappi noodles an extra burst of flavor, making each bite rich and aromatic. It’s customizable, so you can adjust the seasonings to your taste, and it’s a great way to use up fresh basil. Plus, it’s a dish that’s always a hit, whether you’re feeding your family or serving guests.

Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce box Cavatappi noodles
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• Extra Parmesan cheese to garnish for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the cavatappi noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. If the pesto is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Toss the cooked cavatappi noodles with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
6. Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and garnish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Nuts in the pesto: Add pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds to the pesto for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the dish vegan.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto to give it a bit of heat.
• Protein addition: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this into a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stove. Add a little extra olive oil or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens while storing.

FAQs

1. Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the pesto up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh.

2. Can I freeze the pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes well. Place the pesto in an airtight container or ice cube trays, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before using.

3. Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cavatappi works wonderfully with the pesto, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.

4. How do I make the pesto without a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the basil and garlic and mix them with the grated Parmesan. Then, whisk in the olive oil to create a more rustic pesto.

5. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese alternative if you want a different flavor profile or need a dairy-free option.

6. How can I make the pesto sauce creamier?

To make the pesto sauce creamier, add more olive oil or a splash of heavy cream to the pesto.

7. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is best for pesto, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use dried basil. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every cup of fresh basil.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses traditional cavatappi pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta.

9. Can I add vegetables to the pesto pasta?

Yes! Roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers would pair wonderfully with the pesto pasta.

10. How do I make the pesto more garlicky?

If you like a stronger garlic flavor, simply add an extra garlic clove or two when making the pesto.

Conclusion

The Easiest Pesto Cavatappi is the perfect quick and flavorful dish to satisfy any pasta craving. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to meal for busy nights or casual gatherings. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious pesto that takes your pasta to the next level. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with added protein and vegetables, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

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