This corkscrew pasta recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal. The unique shape of the pasta holds onto every bit of sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving a creamy, cheesy dish or a fresh, zesty tomato-based sauce, this recipe is endlessly customizable and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Sauce Absorption: The twisted shape of corkscrew pasta catches and holds onto sauces beautifully.
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Versatile: You can switch up the protein, veggies, and sauces to fit your cravings.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love this fun-shaped pasta!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients for the best corkscrew pasta dish:
- Corkscrew Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli) – The star of the dish, perfect for capturing sauce.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
- Garlic – A must-have for deep, aromatic flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Bursting with natural sweetness and acidity.
- Basil – Fresh basil adds a pop of herby brightness.
- Parmesan Cheese – A savory, umami-packed finishing touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A bit of heat to liven up the dish.
- Protein of Choice (Optional: Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu) – Adds heartiness and variety.
Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Make Corkscrew Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the corkscrew pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and burst, releasing their juices.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with reserved pasta water, fresh basil, and Parmesan. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Save That Pasta Water – It helps thicken the sauce and brings everything together.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Aim for al dente to keep a good texture.
- Customize It – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for variety.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh basil and tomatoes make a big difference in flavor.
How to Serve
This pasta dish pairs well with:
- A side of garlic bread for dipping.
- A fresh Caesar or arugula salad for balance.
- A glass of ice tea for a perfect pairing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While best fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well, but corkscrew pasta holds sauce the best.
2. What protein goes best with this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make great additions.
3. Can I make this dish creamy?
Absolutely! Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for extra creaminess.
4. How do I make this pasta gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free corkscrew pasta—brands like Barilla and Banza have great options.
Corkscrew Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This corkscrew pasta recipe features a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that perfectly coats the spiral-shaped noodles, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. The sauce is made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a smooth and velvety texture. It’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with added protein like chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz corkscrew pasta (fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp
- 1 cup spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
Sauté the Garlic – In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Make the Sauce – Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
-
Add Parmesan and Seasonings – Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Combine with Pasta – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If using any optional add-ins like chicken, shrimp, or spinach, stir them in now and let them heat through for 2-3 minutes.
-
Serve and Enjoy – Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water helps thicken the sauce and makes it stick better to the pasta.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well, so always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth texture.
Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use milk with a bit of cornstarch for a lighter version.
Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to make it heartier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: corkscrew pasta, creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, cavatappi pasta, fusilli recipe, easy pasta dish, Italian comfort food