Best 2 Pesto Cavatappi Copycat Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our collection of Pesto Cavatappi recipes, inspired by the iconic dish from the famous Olive Garden restaurant. Embark on a flavor-filled adventure as we present three irresistible variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs.

1. **Classic Pesto Cavatappi:** Experience the original magic with our classic Pesto Cavatappi recipe. This timeless dish features perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta tossed in a creamy, homemade pesto sauce, complemented by the savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream.

2. **Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cavatappi:** Elevate your taste buds with our Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cavatappi. This vibrant recipe bursts with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, perfectly balanced by the creamy pesto sauce and a hint of garlic.

3. **Vegan Pesto Cavatappi:** Delight in a plant-based twist with our Vegan Pesto Cavatappi. This recipe caters to vegan and allergy-conscious individuals, featuring a creamy cashew-based pesto sauce brimming with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Enjoy the same delectable flavors without compromising on taste.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these remarkable Pesto Cavatappi recipes, meticulously crafted to deliver a symphony of flavors. Choose your favorite variation and embark on a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

COPYCAT PESTO CAVATAPPI

Copycat Pesto Cavatappi image

Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious, easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights! Start with chewy pasta and toss it with a homemade pesto cream sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms. It's even better than the Noodles & Company version!

Provided by Meggan Hill

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 pound cavatappi pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tomato, cored and diced
0.5 cup white wine
0.25 cup heavy cream
1 cup store-bought pesto
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tomatoes and cook until some liquid has been released and the tomatoes are heated through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the wine and cream and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes.
Add pesto and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes. Add pasta and toss until combined. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

PESTO CAVATAPPI COPYCAT

Pesto Cavatappi Copycat image

Found this by doing a web search. Definitely not my own. I always add some sliced onions and top with parmesan chicken.

Provided by emcglone1979

Categories < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

12 ounces cavatappi noodles
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
1/2 pint sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup white wine
1/4 cup cream
7 ounces pesto sauce
extra virgin olive oil
shredded parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta as directed on packaging.
While pasta is cooking, saute the tomatoes and mushrooms in about a tablespoon of EVOO.
When the pasta is almost done, add the wine to the tomatoes and mushrooms and reduce for 2 minutes. Then add the cream to the tomatoes and mushrooms and reduce for another 1-2 minutes. Add the pesto and stir well.
Drain pasta and add to the pesto mixture. Stir very well and let sit a minute to soak up the pesto.
Plate and top with shredded parmesan cheese!

Tips:

Use fresh basil for the pesto to get the best flavor.
If you don't have pine nuts, you can substitute walnuts or almonds.
Add a little lemon juice to the pesto to brighten the flavor.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Don't overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy.
Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to use in the sauce.
Add the pesto to the pasta and stir to coat.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Conclusion:

This pesto cavatappi is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to please the whole family. The creamy pesto sauce is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The pasta is cooked to al dente and then tossed with the pesto sauce. This dish is garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.