10+ Corkscrew Pasta Recipes for Delicious and Easy Meals

Corkscrew pasta, also known as fusilli or cavatappi, is a fun and versatile shape that makes any meal exciting. You can create many delicious dishes using this unique pasta, from hearty baked casseroles to light summer salads. This article is here to inspire you with a variety of corkscrew pasta recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

Get ready to explore different flavor combinations that highlight the rich texture of corkscrew pasta. Whether you prefer creamy sauces, zesty vegetables, or savory meats, there’s a recipe for you. Each dish will showcase the delightful twists and turns of this pasta shape, making it a perfect choice for your next family dinner or casual gathering.

Creamy Mushroom Corkscrew Pasta

This creamy mushroom corkscrew pasta is a delightful dish that’s simple to prepare. The corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making each bite satisfying.

Start by cooking the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Then, add sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender.

Next, combine the cooked pasta with the mushroom mixture. Pour in heavy cream and stir in your favorite cheese. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces corkscrew pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated cheese (like Parmesan)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook corkscrew pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
5. Combine pasta with mushroom mixture.
6. Pour in heavy cream and stir in cheese.
7. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Pesto Corkscrew Pasta Salad

Pesto corkscrew pasta salad is a delicious and easy dish you can prepare for any occasion. The combination of corkscrew pasta with fresh pesto makes for a flavorful salad that everyone will enjoy.

Start by cooking corkscrew pasta until it is tender but still firm. You can use rotini or fusilli for the perfect texture. While the pasta cools, prepare your pesto and any additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes and onions.

Once everything is ready, mix the pasta with the pesto. Add in your diced vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese if you like. This salad can be chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving. It’s great for gatherings or as a tasty lunch option.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces corkscrew pasta
• 1 cup pesto
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (optional)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook the corkscrew pasta for about 10-12 minutes until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and let it cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pesto, and mayonnaise.
5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and onions.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Spicy Sausage Corkscrew Pasta

Spicy sausage corkscrew pasta is a tasty and easy dish to make. The corkscrew shape of the pasta holds onto the sauce and flavors well. You’ll love how the spicy sausage adds a nice kick to each bite.

To start, cook your corkscrew pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, in a skillet, brown some spicy sausage, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, you can add garlic and crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

Next, mix in your favorite tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a bit, so all the flavors blend together. Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is coated nicely.

Top your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz corkscrew pasta
• 1 lb spicy sausage
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 24 oz tomato sauce
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook corkscrew pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook spicy sausage until browned.
3. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix in the cooked pasta and stir well.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

4) Garlic Shrimp Corkscrew Pasta

Garlic shrimp corkscrew pasta is a tasty and simple dish you can whip up quickly. The corkscrew pasta holds onto the sauce well, making every bite delicious.

Start by cooking your corkscrew pasta until al dente. While it cooks, heat some olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic to the oil and let it turn fragrant. After that, toss in your shrimp and cook until they turn pink and curl slightly.

Once the shrimp is ready, you can combine it with your pasta. Drizzle with more olive oil and a hint of lemon juice for extra flavor. You can season it with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your meal with fresh parsley on top for color. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz corkscrew pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook corkscrew pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and curled, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine shrimp with pasta and drizzle with lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

5) Corkscrew Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Corkscrew pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful dish that brings rich flavors to your table. The twisty shape of the pasta holds sauces beautifully, making every bite satisfying.

To make this dish, you’ll first cook your corkscrew pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant. Then, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

After the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. You can add cream for a rich sauce or keep it light with just the olive oil. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces corkscrew pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and combine it with the garlic and tomatoes.
6. Mix in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

6) Lemon Basil Corkscrew Pasta

Lemon Basil Corkscrew Pasta is a bright and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic basil creates a delicious flavor. You’ll love how it nicely complements the spiral shape of the corkscrew pasta.

To make this dish, cook the pasta until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in boiling water. While the pasta cooks, prepare a simple sauce using olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon juice.

When the pasta is done, drain it and toss it in the lemon-garlic mixture. Add freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile.

Ingredients

• Corkscrew pasta (12 oz or 340 g)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook the corkscrew pasta for 8-10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add lemon juice to the pan and stir.
4. Drain the pasta and combine it with the lemon-garlic mixture.
5. Mix in chopped basil and grated parmesan.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

7) Tuscan Chicken Corkscrew Pasta

Tuscan Chicken Corkscrew Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal you can prepare easily. The corkscrew pasta adds a fun twist to this dish, making it hearty and satisfying.

Start by seasoning your chicken with Italian spices. Cook it in a skillet until it’s golden brown. This adds great flavor to your pasta.

Once the chicken is done, add onions, garlic, and sweet tomatoes to the pan. Stir in some cream to create a rich sauce. The juicy tomatoes balance the creaminess nicely.

Finally, mix in the cooked corkscrew pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces corkscrew pasta
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package directions; then, drain it.
2. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
6. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
7. Add the heavy cream and stir well.
8. Chop the chicken and return it to the skillet. Then, add pasta and mix everything together. Cook for a few more minutes, and serve hot.

8) Cold Italian Corkscrew Pasta Salad

Cold Italian corkscrew pasta salad is a refreshing dish. It’s great for picnics or as a light lunch. You will love the combination of flavors and textures.

To start, cook your corkscrew pasta according to the package instructions. Rinse it under cold water to cool it off. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy.

Next, add your favorite vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and olives work well. You can also include marinated mushrooms for extra flavor.

For the dressing, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the pasta and veggies with the dressing to combine everything evenly.

Chill the salad for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces corkscrew pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup marinated mushrooms
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Rinse the pasta under cold water and drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, and mushrooms.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

9) Roasted Red Pepper Corkscrew Pasta

Roasted red pepper corkscrew pasta is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. The corkscrew shape of cavatappi or cellentani pasta holds onto the creamy sauce and bits of pepper perfectly.

Start by roasting large red bell peppers until they are tender and tasty. You can do this in the oven or over an open flame. Once roasted, blend the peppers until smooth, mixing in some herbed goat cheese, chicken stock, and a pinch of salt for flavor.

Cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain it and combine it with the roasted red pepper sauce in a skillet. Stir until everything is hot and evenly mixed.

This dish is colorful, delicious, and great for any occasion. Enjoy your meal with a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese on top!

Ingredients:

• Corkscrew pasta (cavatappi or cellentani)
• Large red bell peppers
• Goat cheese
• Chicken stock
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast red bell peppers until tender.
3. Blend peppers into a smooth sauce.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions.
5. Combine pasta with the sauce in a skillet.
6. Stir until heated and serve.

10) Baked Corkscrew Mac and Cheese

Baked corkscrew mac and cheese is a comforting dish that everyone loves. The corkscrew pasta, or cavatappi, holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly, making each bite delicious.

Using sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gives the dish a rich flavor. You can even mix in your favorite cheeses for variety. The baked version forms a nice crust on top.

To make this dish, start by cooking the corkscrew pasta until it’s al dente. Then, prepare the cheese sauce on the stove as the pasta cooks. Combine them in a baking dish and sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.

Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Enjoy this tasty mac and cheese at dinner or for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 cups corkscrew pasta
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the flour to create a roux.
4. Gradually add the milk and stir until thickened.
5. Mix in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
7. Top with extra cheese.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.