Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe Stubborn MuleKids Cavatappi Recipe

Kids Cavatappi Recipe

Inspired by The Stubborn Mule
Time30m
Serves4

3 cheese tortellini (ricotta, pecorino, mozzarella) with parmesan cream sauce

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Method

Cooking the Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Cavatappi

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cook the Tortellini

    During the last 3 minutes of cooking the cavatappi, add the 3 cheese tortellini to the pot. Continue to cook until the tortellini float to the surface, indicating they are ready.

  3. 3

    Drain the Pasta

    Once cooked, drain the pasta and tortellini in a colander and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

Making the Parmesan Cream Sauce

  1. 4

    Melt the Butter

    In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

  2. 5

    Add Flour and Garlic

    Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.

  3. 6

    Add Heavy Cream

    Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.

  4. 7

    Stir in Parmesan Cheese

    Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

  5. 8

    Season the Sauce

    Add salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

  1. 9

    Mix Pasta with Sauce

    Add the drained cavatappi and tortellini to the Parmesan cream sauce, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

  2. 10

    Garnish and Serve

    Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

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