15 Hearty Italian Cavatappi Recipes You Need to Try

Cavatappi, the corkscrew-shaped pasta, is a versatile and fun addition to any Italian kitchen.

Its twisted shape holds sauces beautifully, making it perfect for creamy, cheesy, or tomato-based recipes.

From baked casseroles to quick stovetop meals, cavatappi can transform simple ingredients into comforting Italian classics.

These 15 Italian cavatappi recipes showcase the pasta’s adaptability, combining vegetables, meats, cheeses, and aromatic herbs.

Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or a festive dish for guests, cavatappi offers endless possibilities.

Each recipe highlights authentic Italian flavors, balancing rich sauces, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta.

From creamy mac and cheese variations to baked pasta dishes and fresh primavera recipes, this collection has something for everyone.

Cooking cavatappi allows for creativity while still honoring traditional Italian culinary techniques.

15 Hearty Italian Cavatappi Recipes You Need to Try

These 15 Italian cavatappi recipes demonstrate how versatile and delicious this pasta shape can be.

From cheesy baked casseroles to vibrant vegetable-based dishes, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion.

Fresh herbs, aromatic garlic, and rich sauces elevate simple ingredients into memorable Italian meals.

Cavatappi’s twisty shape ensures each bite captures sauce and flavor perfectly.

With these recipes, you can enjoy authentic Italian comfort food that’s satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare at home.

Whether for family dinners, weeknight meals, or special occasions, these cavatappi dishes are sure to impress.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cavatappi

This creamy garlic Parmesan cavatappi is rich, comforting, and packed with classic Italian flavors.

Twisted cavatappi pasta holds a luscious garlic-cream sauce perfectly.

Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and a savory, nutty finish to every bite.

It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy indulgent meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

• Cook cavatappi according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
• Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

This cavatappi dish is creamy, cheesy, and aromatic.

Garlic and Parmesan enhance the pasta’s flavor, making it irresistibly comforting.

It’s a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired recipe perfect for dinner.

Baked Cavatappi with Italian Sausage

This baked cavatappi with Italian sausage is hearty, cheesy, and full of savory flavors.

Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions mingle with pasta in a tomato-based sauce.

A layer of mozzarella on top creates a golden, bubbly crust.

It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep that’s warm and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage until browned.
• Add onion and bell pepper and sauté 5 minutes.
• Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
• Combine pasta with sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
• Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

This baked cavatappi is savory, cheesy, and satisfying.

Italian sausage and vegetables add depth, while the melted cheese creates indulgence.

It’s a comforting Italian casserole perfect for dinner or gatherings.

Cavatappi Primavera

This cavatappi primavera is light, colorful, and packed with fresh Italian flavors.

Tender pasta is tossed with seasonal vegetables, garlic, and olive oil.

A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil completes the dish with bright, aromatic notes.

It’s ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic 1 minute.
• Add vegetables and cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
• Toss cooked pasta with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan and basil before serving.

This cavatappi primavera is fresh, vibrant, and flavorful.

Seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs elevate the pasta into a healthy Italian delight.

It’s a light, satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.

Cavatappi Pesto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This cavatappi with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes is fragrant, nutty, and full of Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh basil pesto coats twisted pasta, while sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness.

Parmesan and pine nuts create a rich, layered flavor in every bite.

It’s perfect for a quick, impressive Italian meal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and briefly sauté sun-dried tomatoes.
• Toss cooked pasta with pesto, tomatoes, Parmesan, and pine nuts.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This pesto cavatappi is aromatic, tangy, and savory.

Sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts elevate the pasta with flavor and texture.

It’s a simple, Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick gourmet meal.

Spicy Shrimp Cavatappi

This spicy shrimp cavatappi is bold, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with Italian seasonings.

Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, then tossed with cavatappi pasta.

A touch of lemon juice and parsley brightens the dish.

It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive seafood meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes 1 minute.
• Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
• Toss shrimp with cooked pasta, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.

This shrimp cavatappi is spicy, aromatic, and savory.

Lemon and parsley add brightness while red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick.

It’s a quick, Italian-inspired seafood pasta perfect for dinner any night.

Cavatappi Bolognese

This cavatappi Bolognese is hearty, rich, and full of traditional Italian flavors.

Ground beef and pork are simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.

The twisted pasta holds the thick, savory sauce perfectly for a comforting meal.

It’s ideal for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and pork; cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer 15–20 minutes.
• Toss sauce with cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

This Bolognese cavatappi is savory, rich, and satisfying.

The sauce clings to the pasta, delivering hearty Italian flavor in every bite.

It’s perfect for a cozy, classic Italian dinner.

Cavatappi Carbonara

This cavatappi carbonara is creamy, indulgent, and delightfully traditional.

Eggs, Parmesan, and pancetta create a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every twist of pasta.

Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the rich, savory flavors.

It’s ideal for a quick yet impressive Italian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 4 oz pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté pancetta and garlic until crispy.
• In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan.
• Toss hot pasta with pancetta and remove from heat.
• Slowly add egg mixture, stirring constantly, and add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
• Season with salt and plenty of black pepper before serving.

This cavatappi carbonara is creamy, smoky, and satisfying.

The pancetta and Parmesan deliver rich, savory Italian flavors.

It’s a classic, indulgent pasta dish perfect for any occasion.

Mediterranean Cavatappi with Artichokes and Olives

This Mediterranean cavatappi is vibrant, tangy, and full of Italian-inspired flavors.

Artichokes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and garlic are tossed with pasta for a bright, healthy dish.

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil complete the meal.

It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side for grilled meats or fish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic 1 minute.
• Add artichokes, olives, and cherry tomatoes; cook 5–7 minutes.
• Toss cooked pasta with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

This Mediterranean cavatappi is fresh, tangy, and flavorful.

The vegetables and olives elevate the dish with bright, Italian-inspired flavors.

It’s a healthy, colorful pasta perfect for lunch or dinner.

Four-Cheese Cavatappi Bake

This four-cheese cavatappi bake is rich, gooey, and indulgent.

A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, fontina, and ricotta coats pasta for a creamy, cheesy delight.

A golden top adds texture while baked perfection enhances flavor.

It’s perfect for comforting family dinners or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 1/2 cup shredded fontina
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara, ricotta, and half of each cheese.
• Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
• Bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

This baked cavatappi is creamy, cheesy, and indulgent.

The combination of four cheeses creates rich, savory Italian flavors.

It’s a comforting dish perfect for pasta lovers and family meals.

Cavatappi with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto

This cavatappi with roasted vegetables and pesto is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.

Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with basil pesto and cavatappi.

Parmesan and pine nuts add a nutty, savory finish.

It’s perfect for a light, healthy dinner with Italian flair.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast 15–20 minutes.
• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Toss pasta with roasted vegetables, pesto, Parmesan, and pine nuts before serving.

This cavatappi dish is fresh, vibrant, and aromatic.

Roasted vegetables and pesto elevate the pasta with Italian flavor and texture.

It’s a healthy, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining

Cavatappi with Creamy Spinach and Ricotta

This cavatappi with creamy spinach and ricotta is rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor.

Fresh spinach is sautéed and blended with ricotta and Parmesan to create a silky sauce.

The twisted pasta holds the creamy mixture perfectly, making each bite luscious and satisfying.

It’s ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted.
• Stir in ricotta and Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
• Toss cooked pasta in the creamy mixture and serve immediately.

This cavatappi is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Spinach and ricotta create a light yet indulgent Italian-inspired dish.

It’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Cavatappi with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

This cavatappi with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil is fresh, vibrant, and full of Italian flavors.

Cherry tomatoes are roasted to intensify sweetness, then tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil.

Parmesan adds a savory finish, complementing the naturally sweet tomatoes.

It’s ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or side dish for an Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper; roast 15–20 minutes.
• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Toss roasted tomatoes with cooked pasta, Parmesan, and fresh basil.

This cavatappi is fresh, colorful, and flavorful.

Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, creating a vibrant Italian-inspired dish.

It’s simple yet satisfying, perfect for any meal.

Cavatappi with Italian Meatballs

This cavatappi with Italian meatballs is hearty, comforting, and full of classic flavors.

Tender meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce and tossed with twisted pasta.

Parmesan and fresh herbs enhance the savory, satisfying dish.

It’s perfect for family dinners or festive occasions, offering both flavor and comfort.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper; form into meatballs.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs 5–7 minutes.
• Add marinara sauce and simmer 15 minutes.
• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
• Toss pasta with meatballs and sauce, garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

This cavatappi dish is savory, hearty, and flavorful.

Meatballs and tomato sauce create a classic Italian comfort food experience.

It’s perfect for dinner and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Cavatappi with Roasted Garlic and Mushrooms

This cavatappi with roasted garlic and mushrooms is earthy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.

Roasted garlic enhances the natural sweetness of mushrooms, while olive oil and herbs complete the dish.

The twisted pasta shape holds every bit of sauce and vegetable for a satisfying bite.

It’s ideal as a vegetarian main or side dish for an Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 head garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roast garlic head in foil with 1 tbsp olive oil for 20 minutes.
• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender.
• Squeeze roasted garlic cloves and mix with pasta and mushrooms; season with salt, pepper, and parsley.

This cavatappi is earthy, savory, and aromatic.

Roasted garlic and mushrooms create a rich, Italian-inspired flavor profile.

It’s perfect for a simple yet elegant vegetarian dinner.

Lemon Herb Cavatappi with Shrimp

This lemon herb cavatappi with shrimp is bright, zesty, and full of Mediterranean flavors.

Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, then tossed with cavatappi and a squeeze of lemon.

Parmesan adds a subtle savory note to balance the citrus.

It’s perfect for a quick, elegant dinner with Italian flair.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic 1 minute.
• Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
• Toss cooked pasta with shrimp, lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, and parsley; season with salt and pepper.

This cavatappi dish is bright, zesty, and flavorful.

Lemon and fresh herbs elevate the shrimp and pasta into a fresh Italian-inspired meal.

It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner perfect for any night.