What kind of pasta is a cavatappi?

Cavatappi pasta is a short, spiral-shaped tube of pasta, known for its ridged surface and corkscrew twist. The name “cavatappi” comes from the Italian word for “corkscrew,” which perfectly describes its shape. It’s hollow like penne, but the spiral design gives it more surface area to hold onto sauces, cheese, and flavor. This makes it ideal for baked dishes, mac and cheese, and pasta salads.

What is the difference between macaroni and cavatappi?

While both are tubular pastas, the main difference lies in their shape and texture. Cavatappi pasta is longer, thicker, and twists like a spiral, often with ridges that help cling to sauce. Elbow macaroni is smaller, smooth, and more curved, with less surface for sauce to grip. Cavatappi also tends to hold its shape better during baking or in creamy dishes, offering a heartier bite than traditional macaroni.

Is cavatappi pasta healthy?

Yes, cavatappi pasta can be part of a healthy diet when portioned mindfully and paired with nutritious ingredients. Regular cavatappi made from semolina flour is low in fat and provides carbohydrates for energy. For healthier versions, you can choose whole wheat, gluten-free, or high-protein cavatappi made from chickpeas or lentils. Adding vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats makes cavatappi a wholesome, balanced meal.

What is the closest pasta to cavatappi?

If you can’t find cavatappi pasta , the closest substitutes are rotini , fusilli , or penne rigate . Rotini and fusilli mimic the spiral effect, which helps trap sauces similarly. Penne offers the tubular structure, though without the twist. All three make excellent alternatives depending on the recipe — especially in bakes, creamy dishes, or cold pasta salads.

Cavatappi Pasta: The Best 2025 Guide to Sauces, Recipes & Health

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cavatappi pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika (optional)
½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook cavatappi until al dente (about 9 minutes), then drain.
Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and cream, stir until thickened.
Add cheeses, seasoning, and cooked pasta.
Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Cavatappi’s spiral shape helps hold creamy sauces and textures well, making it perfect for bakes and salads. Pair with protein like seasoned ground beef for extra heartiness.

Author: Ava
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: cavatappi pasta, baked pasta, creamy pasta, mac and cheese, comfort food