Easy Pesto Cavatappi
This Noodles & Company Copycat Pesto Cavatappi is so easy to make at home in minutes. Much less expensive to make this homemade version for the family and it’s even tastier than the original, too!
Pesto Cavatappi
One time in my life I stopped into a Noodles & Company waaaaaay out in Fort Collins, Colorado because I was on a business trip…..starving…..and desperately needed some carbs. I have never been to this restaurant before and couldn’t wait to give this raved about chain a try….and I love pasta sooooo it seemed like the perfect option.
I ordered the Pesto Cavatappi which was simply amazing in every sense of the word. Tender, perfectly cooked pasta tossed together with ready to burst tomatoes, mushrooms, pesto and cheese. A touch of cream gives this simple dish an extra level of comforting richness that’s so perfect.
It was just what I needed after a long, tiring flight…..that and a nap.
When I returned home, I missed my new love, Noodles & Company. We don’t really have them here on the east coast so I decided to make my own version at home and, guess what…..it’s even better than the original.
This Pesto Cavatappi pasta recipe is made with just a handful of readily available ingredients and can be whipped up pretty quickly for a simple weeknight dinner. This is definitely a meal the whole family will approve of.
What is Cavatappi pasta?
Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew so any type of spiral pasta would work well in this recipe. Cavatappi pasta is also know as Cellantani, tortiglione and amore.
Cavatappi is a type of macaroni with a hole through the center of the spiral and is made without eggs. The hollow, spiral shape is great for soaking up the flavorful pesto sauce it is tossed with.
Ingredients for Pesto Cavatappi
My Noodles and Company copycat Pesto Cavatappi is so super simple to make. All you need are the following ingredients:
- Cavatappi pasta
- olive oil
- Grape Tomatoes
- Sliced Mushrooms
- Dry White Wine (optional)
- Chicken Stock
- Basil Pesto
- Half and Half
- Parmesan Cheese
The original Noodles and Company recipe uses heavy cream according to my sources BUT I wanted to shave off a few calories so I substituted the cream with half and half, which is just a lighter form of cream. (Half and half is actually a combination of half milk and half cream.) I didn’t notice a difference in flavor but the sauce was definitely not as heavy as when I use cream.
Also, I love to use my own homemade Basil Pesto recipe for this but in a pinch, your favorite jarred pesto sauce will work well. If you want to mix things up a bit you can also try this easy Sage Pesto or my new favorite Radish Pesto!
How To Make Pesto Cavatappi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (approximately 4 quarts) and cook the pasta to al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Flip the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the wine and chicken stock to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits.
- Stir in the pesto and half and half. Turn the heat to low and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
I like to serve my Pesto Cavatappi with a fresh green salad or freshly baked popovers to dip in any leftover sauce.
We definitely like to whip up this easy cavatappi pasta dish at least once a week. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it’s a one post dinner you can get on the table in minutes.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
- Easy Pasta Puttanesca with Linguine
- One Pot Pasta Primavera
- Easy Cheesy Tortellini al Forno
- The Very Best Baked Ziti
- Best EVER Bolognese Sauce
- Easy Spaghetti Pie.…for those nights with too many leftovers.
- Quick and simple Fettuccine Alfredo
Want even more easy family recipes? Follow us on Instagram!
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Cavatappi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cavatappi pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Grape Tomatoes, cut in half
- 8 ounces Sliced Mushrooms
- 1/4 cup Dry White Wine, optional
- 1/4 cup Chicken Stock
- 3/4 cup Basil Pesto
- 1/2 cup Half and Half
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (approximately 4 quarts) and cook the pasta to al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Flip the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the wine and chicken stock to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits.
- Stir in the pesto and half and half.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil, if desired.Serve immediately.
9 Comments on “Easy Pesto Cavatappi”
Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half ?.
I made the recipe before and it is great! I’m making it again and don’t know why the directions state to reserve one cup of the pasta water. It is not use later in the recipe. Is there a purpose for it?
Oh, yes…..you’re supposed to add it to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. I’ll edit the recipe but so glad you love it!
Pasta is always a winner in our house! Love that I can stay on budget and just make this at home vs getting takeout without losing any of the delicious flavor. Thank you.
Right? Exactly why we love it, too!
Pasta and pesto is oh so good!
Love the recipe and all the topping that you put in the pasta!
Thank you!
I love pastas with pesto! This looks so creamy & tasty! I will have to add to the menu!