Creamy Baked Cavatappi Pasta (Italian Corkscrew Pasta)

This creamy and cheesy Cavatappi Pasta is a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Also called corkscrew pasta, cavatappi noodles are delicious on its own or served as a side at your next family dinner. I used a homemade cheese sauce to take this recipe over the top!

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The spiral shape of cavatappi pasta makes it the ideal noodle for this creamy pasta bake! The thick, cheesy sauce clings to the ridged corkscrew noodles, so every bite is filled with hearty flavor.

This is one of my favorite quick and easy meals along with BLT Pasta Salad, Beef Stir Fry and Lasagna Rollups.

What Is Cavatappi?

Cavatappi is a variety of macaroni that’s distinguished by its unique spiral shape. This pasta is short, thin and ridged. It goes well with sauces such as white cheese sauce that’s thick and creamy. Therefore it’s also a great choice for making baked macaroni and cheese.

Fun fact: Cavatappi is the Italian word for corkscrew!

History Of Cavatappi Pasta

Cavatappi, also known as cellentani, is a type of pasta that originated in southern Italy. The name “cavatappi” means corkscrew in Italian, and it is named after its distinct spiral shape. 

This pasta has been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries and was initially made by hand. Later, as technology advanced, machines were developed to produce this unique shape, making it more accessible to people worldwide.

Why Is It So Popular?

Cavatappi’s popularity can be attributed to its versatility and unique shape. It pairs well with a variety of sauces, from creamy Alfredo to zesty marinara. 

The corkscrew shape also helps the pasta hold onto sauces and ingredients, making each bite flavorful and delicious. Additionally, the texture of the pasta adds a nice contrast to many dishes.

Macaroni Vs Cavatappi

Although macaroni and Cavatappi may look similar, they are not the same. Macaroni is a small, curved tube pasta, while Cavatappi is longer and spiral-shaped. Another difference is that macaroni has a smooth surface, while Cavatappi has ridges.

Ingredients & Substitutes

• Cavatappi Pasta: This tubular, spiral-shaped pasta is native to southern Italy. You can use Cavatappi in hot, baked dishes as well as cold pasta salads. Your favorite sauce is sure to go well with this versatile noodle.
• Olive Oil: It will help to prevent your cooked cavatappi from sticking. We like using extra-virgin olive oil because it’s one of the healthiest fats you can find.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose unsalted butter for this recipe so you don’t run the risk of having a salty end product. Remember, cheese tends to be fairly salty and you’ll also be adding salt to your cheese sauce.
• All-purpose Flour: You probably already have this versatile ingredient in your pantry. It’s a must for creating a thick, creamy sauce.
• Milk: Use your preferred milk for this recipe. You can even use plant-based milk – just ensure that the milk is plain and without any additional flavoring.
• Heavy Cream: You don’t want to skip this key ingredient. Heavy cream brings your sauce together in that gooey consistency we all know and love. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same thing.
• Salt & Pepper: We’re using simple seasonings in this recipe, so that the flavor of the cheese will be front and center.
• Cheese: We recommend using classic cheddar cheese for this creamy baked cavatappi recipe. You can buy pre-shredded cheese, but it’s well worth the effort to shred it yourself.

How To Make Creamy Cavatappi Pasta

Step 1: Cook The Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Sprinkle some salt, and then add cavatappi pasta. Cook until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Step 2: Make The Cheese Sauce (Roux)

• Melt butter in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
• Add flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk and cook for 2 minutes.

• Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for a few minutes until the mixture is barely thickened.
• Remove from heat and add 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir until melted.

Step 3: Assemble And Bake

• Mix the cooked cavatappi noodles with cheese sauce and toss to coat.
• Pour half of the pasta into the baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.

• Add the remaining mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy!

Tips For The Best Cavatappi Pasta And Cheese

• It’s best to use the block cheese and shred it by yourself. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it won’t melt properly.
• Cook your cavatappi to slightly less than al dente (1 minute less than the package directs).
• When making the roux, make sure the milk is cold before adding to the butter and flour mixture. This will prevent the flour from clumping.
• Cook the rous until you see bubbles on the surface. Then continue cooking for 2 more minutes before removing from the head and adding the cheese.

Other Ways To Use Cavatappi Noodles

• Pesto Cavatappi: It’s a delicious Italian-inspired meal made with springy Cavatappi pasta, classic pesto sauce and freshly grated parmesan. Stir in mushrooms and diced tomatoes for an even heartier meal.
• Cavatappi Pasta Salad: You can mix the cooked cavatappi with veggies and deli meats, then drizzle with Italian dressing for a healthy cavatappi pasta salad.
• Cavatappi Pasta and Chicken: Cavatappi and chicken make for an irresistible pairing that’s sure to please! Mix the cooked cavatappi with chunks of grilled chicken and sun-dried tomatoes for a complete meal.
• Tex-Mex Cavatappi Pasta and Shrimp: Italy meets the Southwest with this unique combination! Tex-Mex Cavatappi pasta is made with chunky salsa, zesty lime and cilantro and succulent jumbo shrimp.

Can I Make It Ahead Of Time?

This baked cavatappi recipe is ideal for meal planning because it can be made ahead of time and stores well in the fridge. Simply reheat in the microwave to enjoy whenever you’re ready!

Storing Cavatappi Mac And Cheese

Your baked cavatappi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Why not make it on the weekend and reheat for your weeknight dinners? To maximize the shelf life of this dish, you can freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

How To Serve Cavatappi Pasta

Cavatappi pasta can be served hot or cold, and it pairs well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Some popular dishes that use Cavatappi include pasta salads, baked pasta dishes, and soups. This spiral-shaped pasta is also a great choice for mac and cheese-style casseroles.

How To Store Leftover Cavatappi Pasta

Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature and then transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container. 

Add a teaspoon or two of olive oil or vegetable oil to the pasta before storing it. This helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. 

How To Reheat Cavatappi

Reheat the pasta in a microwave-safe container or on the stove with a little bit of water or sauce. Avoid reheating the pasta in the container it was stored in, as this can cause uneven heating and potentially harmful bacteria growth.

Cavatappi Pasta FAQs

What Kind of Noodle is Cavatappi?

Cavatappi is a type of pasta that is spiral-shaped, resembling a corkscrew.

What’s the Other Name for Cavatappi?

Cavatappi is also known as cellentani, which means “great pasta.”

What is the Difference Between Fusilli and Cavatappi?

Both are spiral-shaped pastas, but the difference is in the shape of the spiral. Fusilli has a tighter spiral, while Cavatappi has a looser spiral.

Cavatappi vs Cellentani

Cavatappi is sometimes referred to as Cellentani, so if you’re seeing the latter, go ahead and pick it up for this recipe.

What Sauces Go Well with Cavatappi?

Cavatappi pairs well with a variety of sauces, including Alfredo, marinara, pesto, and vodka sauce.

Where Can I Buy Cavatappi?

Cavatappi can be found in most grocery stores and online.

Is Cavatappi Pasta Gluten-Free?

Cavatappi pasta is usually made with wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free options available.

Can I Substitute Cavatappi for Other Types of Pasta?

Cavatappi can be substituted for other types of pasta, such as fusilli or penne, in most dishes. However, the texture and shape may be slightly different, so the dish may not be identical.

If you tried this recipe, let me know how your Cavatappi Pasta turns out in the comments below!