Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring cavatappi pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, enhanced with garlic and fresh basil.
Ingredients
- Cavatappi pasta: 400 grams (about 14 oz)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated (plus extra for serving)
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil: a handful, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add the cooked cavatappi to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider sautéing onions with the garlic.
- Protein options include chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli can be added for nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy cavatappi, pasta recipe, comfort food, Italian cuisine