Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Creamy Pasta Dishes Are Ultimate Easy Recipes
- Perfect Comfort Food for Dinner Recipes
- What Makes This Creamy Cavatappi Stand Out
- Tips for Busy Weeknights and Quick Dinner Fixes
- How to Elevate Everyday Pasta into a Restaurant-Style Meal
- Inspired by Flavor, Created for Simplicity
- Recipe
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This creamy cavatappi recipe is a go-to comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this pasta dish turns into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for dinner recipes and is part of Patricia’s growing collection of easy recipes on Patricia Universe.
Why Creamy Pasta Dishes Are Ultimate Easy Recipes
Let’s face it—pasta is the king of weeknight dinners. And when it comes to easy recipes, creamy pasta dishes win every time. This creamy cavatappi is velvety, rich, and full of flavor. It requires no special equipment or complicated steps. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just tired from a long day, this meal comes together quickly and checks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner.
Perfect Comfort Food for Dinner Recipes
There’s something magical about curling up with a bowl of cheesy, creamy pasta after a hectic day. This dish fits beautifully into your comfort food lineup and doubles as one of those quick and easy recipes you’ll want to make over and over again. It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for pairing with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
What Makes This Creamy Cavatappi Stand Out
The use of cavatappi pasta adds a unique twist—those spiral tubes capture the sauce in every bite. And that sauce? A dreamy combo of Parmesan, cheddar, cream cheese, and just the right touch of Dijon mustard. It’s rich without being too heavy, and it’s one of those food receipt easy recipes that delivers comfort and flavor every single time.
Tips for Busy Weeknights and Quick Dinner Fixes
If you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s one of those sweet easy recipes to prep in advance—just cook the pasta ahead of time and store it separately. When it’s time to eat, the sauce comes together in just 10 minutes. It also works great for meal prepping your favorite dinner recipes for the week ahead.
How to Elevate Everyday Pasta into a Restaurant-Style Meal
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this creamy cavatappi has the kind of flavor that will impress your guests. Serve it in a wide, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a twist of black pepper, and a side of wine. It’s proof that easy recipes don’t have to be boring. Want to add more flair? Toss in crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken for a gourmet upgrade.
Inspired by Flavor, Created for Simplicity
This recipe from Patricia at Patricia Universe is all about making life easier without compromising flavor. If you love air fryer desserts easy recipes or are searching for new dinner recipes, this creamy pasta will quickly earn a top spot in your rotation. It’s delicious, dependable, and absolutely dreamy.
Creamy Cavatappi Pasta – Quick & Easy Recipes for Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the half-and-half, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and cream cheese. Once smooth, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
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