Description
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Cavatappi—a quick dinner idea that blends tender, spiral-shaped pasta with a luxuriously cheesy sauce for a weeknight win. This easy recipe is loaded with comforting flavors, perfectly cooked noodles, and the subtle sweetness of green peas. It’s an ideal food idea for busy nights, a cozy weekend meal, or even as a base for creative pasta combinations. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or an indulgent comfort meal, this creamy cavatappi checks all the boxes. The texture, the aroma, the taste—everything about it screams satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz cavatappi pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring until just simmering.
- Add nutmeg and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, then slowly add Parmesan while whisking to melt into a smooth sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and peas. Toss gently to coat.
- Use reserved pasta water as needed to thin out the sauce.
- Taste and season with salt. Serve warm, topped with extra cheese if desired.