Creamy cavatappi Alfredo is a rich, comforting pasta dish made with spiral cavatappi noodles and a smooth Parmesan cream sauce. The corkscrew shape holds Alfredo sauce beautifully, making every bite creamy and flavorful.
For the base sauce, you can also see Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water, as needed
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
How to Make Creamy Cavatappi Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta — Bring salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic — In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Cream — Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil hard.
Step 4: Add Parmesan — Reduce the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 5: Toss With Cavatappi — Add cooked cavatappi to the sauce. Toss until coated. Add pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
Step 6: Serve — Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Add-In Ideas
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Peas
- Bacon
- Cajun seasoning
Tips for Creamy Alfredo
- Use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta.
Creamy cavatappi Alfredo is easy, rich, and satisfying. The spiral pasta shape holds the sauce perfectly, making it a great weeknight dinner or comfort food meal.