Best Easy Corner Bakery Pesto Cavatappi Recipe
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and love the flavors of pesto, then you’re in for a treat with this delicious and easy-to-make Corner Bakery Pesto Cavatappi recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta with a flavorful homemade pesto sauce that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delightful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cavatappi pasta
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Gradually add the olive oil while continuing to blend until a smooth and creamy pesto sauce is formed.
4. Season the pesto sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked cavatappi pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
6. Serve the Corner Bakery Pesto Cavatappi warm and garnish with some additional grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves, if desired.
Now that you have the recipe, let’s answer some common questions about this delicious dish:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While the traditional Corner Bakery Pesto Cavatappi uses cavatappi pasta, you can substitute it with any pasta shape of your choice. Penne, fusilli, or rotini would work well too.
Q2: Can I use store-bought pesto sauce instead of making my own?
A2: Yes, you can use store-bought pesto sauce if you’re short on time. However, the homemade pesto sauce adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Q3: Can I make the pesto sauce in advance?
A3: Yes, you can make the pesto sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it in the recipe.
Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?
A4: Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted vegetables to make it a heartier meal.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: While it’s best to consume the dish fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Just note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing and reheating.
Q6: Can I make this dish vegan?
A6: Yes, you can make this dish vegan by substituting the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
Q7: Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the pesto sauce?
A7: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic cloves or omit it altogether for a milder taste.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather the ingredients and try out this amazing Corner Bakery Pesto Cavatappi recipe. Enjoy the flavors of Italy right at home!