10+ Corkscrew Pasta Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Corkscrew pasta, also known as cavatappi, is a fun and versatile choice for your meals. These unique shapes not only hold sauces well but also add a delightful twist to classic dishes. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, hearty, or light, corkscrew pasta can be the perfect base for a variety of recipes.

In this article, you’ll discover some delicious corkscrew pasta recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress. From comforting macaroni and cheese to fresh summer salads, there’s something for every taste. Get ready to explore the exciting world of corkscrew pasta and elevate your cooking game!

1) Creamy Cavatappi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner, try creamy cavatappi with sun-dried tomatoes. This dish combines corkscrew pasta with a rich and flavorful cream sauce.

You can prepare this meal in just about 15 minutes. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch that pairs well with the creamy sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (1/2 pound) cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and salt, and cook until steaming.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and mix well.
6. Combine the pasta with the sauce.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

2) Tuscan Chicken with Corkscrew Pasta

Tuscan chicken with corkscrew pasta is a delightful dish. It combines seared chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh ingredients. The corkscrew pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite full of flavor.

You can make this meal quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach adds a touch of brightness.

For this recipe, you will need:

Ingredients

• 8 oz corkscrew pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
5. Add heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

3) Creamy Three-Cheese Cavatappi Bake

This creamy three-cheese cavatappi bake is a delightful dish that is simple to prepare. The corkscrew shape of cavatappi pasta holds the cheese perfectly, making every bite full of flavor.

You will need cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich taste. Mixing these cheeses creates a velvety sauce that hugs the pasta.

Bake it until golden and bubbly for the best texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked cavatappi pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in all cheeses until melted.
6. Mix sauce with cooked cavatappi and season.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with extra cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

4) Corkscrew Pasta with Zucchini and Lemon

Corkscrew pasta with zucchini and lemon is a fresh and tasty dish. The corkscrew shape holds onto the flavors really well. You will love how easy it is to make.

Start by cooking your corkscrew pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté sliced zucchini in olive oil until tender. Add fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the sautéed zucchini. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound corkscrew pasta
• 8 ounces zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté zucchini for about 5 minutes until tender.
4. Add lemon juice to the zucchini and stir.
5. Drain the pasta and mix it with the zucchini.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and herbs before serving.

5) Spicy Italian Sausage Cavatappi

Spicy Italian Sausage Cavatappi is a delicious pasta dish that packs a flavorful punch. The corkscrew shape of cavatappi holds onto the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.

You’ll need spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a perfect blend of flavors. This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked cavatappi and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

6) Pesto Cavatappi with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto cavatappi with cherry tomatoes is a delicious and quick meal. The corkscrew shape of cavatappi holds the sauce well, making every bite tasty. The fresh cherry tomatoes add a lovely sweetness to the dish.

To prepare, cook the cavatappi pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, make your pesto sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto and halved cherry tomatoes once done.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (240 ml) pesto sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot over high heat.
2. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4. Stir in the pesto sauce until well coated.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mix gently.
6. Serve warm, topped with optional grated Parmesan cheese.

7) Corkscrew Pasta with Barbecue Sauce Twist

Try this fun and tasty corkscrew pasta dish that brings a unique barbecue flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Start by cooking your corkscrew pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté some diced onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.

Next, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce and add diced tomatoes for a great taste. Combine this sauce with the drained pasta. Toss everything together for an even flavor.

You can also add cooked ground turkey or chicken for extra protein. Serve it hot and enjoy your Texas twist on a classic dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups corkscrew pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• Optional: 1 lb cooked ground turkey or chicken

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and barbecue sauce.
4. Toss the sauce with the drained pasta.
5. Add cooked meat if desired, and serve hot.

8) Simple Corkscrew Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

Making simple corkscrew pasta with olive oil and garlic is quick and easy. You only need a few basic ingredients for a delicious dish that’s perfect any night of the week.

Start by cooking the corkscrew pasta in boiling salted water. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the oil and garlic. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add extra flavor with fresh herbs or grated cheese, if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 pound corkscrew pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook corkscrew pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Toss the pasta in the pan with garlic oil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9) Cavatappi with Spinach and Parmesan Cream

You’ll love this simple Cavatappi with Spinach and Parmesan Cream. The corkscrew shape of the pasta holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.

Start by cooking the cavatappi according to the package instructions. It should be al dente in about 8-10 minutes.

In a separate pan, sauté fresh spinach until wilted. Then, add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the cooked pasta and sauce in one pot. Stir until all the pasta is coated in the creamy goodness.

Serve it warm for a comforting meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook cavatappi according to package instructions.
2. Sauté spinach in a pan until wilted.
3. Add heavy cream and Parmesan to the pan.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix in the cooked cavatappi and stir.
6. Serve warm.

10) Lemon Basil Corkscrew Pasta Salad

This Lemon Basil Corkscrew Pasta Salad is bright and refreshing. It’s perfect for a picnic or a light lunch. You will love how the flavors come together in this simple dish.

Cook your corkscrew pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps keep the pasta from getting sticky.

Add fresh basil, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil to the pasta. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for an extra burst of flavor.

Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it chilled for the best experience!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces corkscrew pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2. Drain and rinse pasta in cold water.

3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

4. Add basil, lemon juice, and olive oil.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Toss well and serve chilled.