Easy Pesto Cavatappi

This Easy Pesto Cavatappi is a simple, creamy pasta dish that bursts with flavor. Packed with vibrant basil pesto, sautéed mushrooms, and sweet grape tomatoes, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to please anyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Pesto Cavatappi is a deliciously creamy and savory pasta dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. The cavatappi pasta’s spiral shape holds onto the pesto sauce perfectly, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor and the tomatoes provide a burst of freshness. With the combination of chicken stock, half and half, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is rich and comforting, making it the ideal meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half

• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms

• ½ cup chicken stock

• ¾ cup basil pesto

• ½ cup half and half

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

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

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (approximately 4 quarts). Cook the cavatappi pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté the Mushrooms:

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Flip the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are evenly browned.

Cook the Tomatoes:

3. Add the halved grape tomatoes to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.

Add the Chicken Stock:

4. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits from the mushrooms. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

Stir in the Pesto and Half & Half:

5. Stir in the basil pesto and half and half. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Toss the Pasta:

6. Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve:

7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage to this dish.

• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free pesto, non-dairy half and half, and vegan Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto sauce for a little heat.

• Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover pesto cavatappi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added pasta water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Cavatappi is ideal for holding onto the pesto, but any pasta will work.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components (sauté the mushrooms and tomatoes) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just toss everything together and heat through before serving.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works just fine if you’re short on time. However, homemade pesto will elevate the flavor of the dish if you have the ingredients on hand.

Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half for a richer sauce. Just keep in mind that it will make the dish even creamier and more indulgent.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the pasta can be frozen, the cream sauce may change in texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze it, store the pasta and sauce separately. Reheat and toss the pasta with fresh pesto before serving.

Conclusion

Easy Pesto Cavatappi is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. With the richness of the pesto sauce, the earthy mushrooms, and the burst of freshness from the tomatoes, it’s a comforting yet exciting meal that’s sure to please everyone. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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