Are you a fan of the popular restaurant chain with the green and white checkered tablecloths? If you love their famous Pesto Cavatappi Noodles, you’re in luck! Here’s a delicious copycat recipe that allows you to recreate this flavorful dish right in the comfort of your own home. This homemade version will impress your family and friends with its rich pesto flavor and perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta. Let’s get cooking on your very own Pesto Cavatappi Noodles Co copycat recipe!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz cavatappi pasta
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. While the food processor is running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue to process until the mixture forms a smooth paste. If needed, scrape down the sides of the processor with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some extra kick.
5. In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the pan and stir to coat the pasta with the oil.
6. Add the prepared pesto to the pasta and toss until the noodles are evenly coated with the delicious green sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the pesto and meld the flavors with the pasta.
7. Once ready, transfer the Pesto Cavatappi Noodles to serving plates. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra fresh flavor.
8. Serve your homemade Pesto Cavatappi Noodles Co copycat recipe hot and enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavors reminiscent of the restaurant favorite.
Now you can whip up a batch of this heavenly Pesto Cavatappi Noodles whenever a craving hits or when you want to impress your guests with a delightful pasta dish. The vibrant green color of the pesto combined with the curly cavatappi noodles makes for a visually appealing meal that tastes even better than it looks. Give this recipe a try and relish in the joy of creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
