Creamy Cavatappi with Peas: A Comforting Pasta Dish

This recipe features a delightful combination of cavatappi pasta and green peas, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. The dish is simple yet satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any time.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) cavatappi pasta
• 1 cup (150g) green peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
2. If using fresh peas, add them to the pasta water in the last 2 minutes of cooking. If using frozen peas, you can add them directly to the sauce later.
3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Drain the pasta and peas, reserving a cup of pasta water.
6. Add the pasta and peas to the cream sauce. If you’re using frozen peas, add them now. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Serve the pasta in a large white bowl, allowing the creamy sauce and bright green peas to stand out. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Texture and Flavor

The cavatappi pasta provides a satisfying chew, while its corkscrew shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly. The peas offer a contrasting texture and bursts of sweetness. The sauce is rich and velvety, coating each piece of pasta for a luxurious mouthfeel.

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein.
• Experiment with different vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Enjoy your homemade Creamy Cavatappi with Peas!