Forktionary

Cavatappi Pasta

Triticum durum Grain Product

Cavatappi Pasta Grain Product

At a Glance

  • Category Grain Product

The Forktionary Angle

"The Saucy Spiral: Pasta's Best Friend"

Definition

A corkscrew-shaped pasta, often hollow and ridged, ideal for capturing sauces. Its unique spiral form means 'corkscrews' in Italian.

Cooking Time Typically 9-12 minutes for al dente
Etymology Italian for 'corkscrews', also known as cellentani
Ideal Sauce Type Creamy sauces, cheesy sauces, pesto, chunky vegetable sauces

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cavatappi Pasta are:

Neutral starchy slight wheaty taste (when made from durum wheat)

Chef’s Secret

Undercook by 1-2 minutes if it's going into a baked dish; it will finish cooking in the oven, preventing mushiness.

Best Substitutes

Elbow Macaroni

for shape, smaller
Ratio 1:1

Fusilli

for spiral, less hollow
Ratio 1:1

Penne Rigate

for ridged tube
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Available in dried pasta aisles.

Culinary Pairings

Marinara sauce cheese sauce roasted vegetables meatballs chicken pesto

Recipes Using Cavatappi Pasta

Baked Cavatappi With Smoked Ham And Fontina image 131
Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient

Baked Cavatappi With Smoked Ham And Fontina

Elevate your weeknight meal with this upscale baked cavatappi, featuring smoky ham and rich Fontina cheese. A gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe is surprisingly easy and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Inspired by Antonio's pasta – get ready for cheesy, comforting deliciousness!

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Beef Tip With Mushroom Noodle Casserole image 124
Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient Course

Beef Tip With Mushroom Noodle Casserole

This savory Beef Tip Mushroom Noodle Casserole is a family-friendly weeknight winner! A quick and easy recipe, perfected over time, this dish boasts tender beef tips, earthy mushrooms, and creamy noodles in a rich and flavorful sauce. Zwt16 2nd place finish!

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