Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with our irresistible Z Fresh Cheese Cavatelli! This homemade pasta dish promises to elevate your dining experience, bringing the taste of authentic Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick prep time of only 30 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with this gourmet meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and discover the joy of crafting your very own cavatelli—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, creating a small well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and olive oil into the well. Begin mixing the ingredients using a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured work surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, with a consistent texture.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to shape.
- After resting, divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the rope into small pieces, approximately 1 inch long. Use your thumb or a cavatelli pasta tool to create the traditional curved shape by pressing and rolling each piece.
- Dust the shaped cavatelli with a little flour to prevent sticking and set aside on a lightly floured surface.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the cavatelli into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Drain the cavatelli and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
- Optional: Toss with your favorite sauce or simply drizzle with olive oil and additional Parmesan for a classic, rustic presentation.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan. The taste of your cavatelli will be significantly enhanced by the quality of the ingredients.
- Knead Thoroughly: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your pasta.
- Rest the Dough: Don’t skip the resting period! Allowing the dough to rest helps relax the gluten, making it easier to shape the cavatelli.
- Flour Your Surface: Keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking. This will make the shaping process much smoother.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Cavatelli cooks quickly—usually within 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and as soon as they float to the surface, they’re ready to be drained.
- Experiment with Sauces: While the cavatelli are delicious on their own with just olive oil and Parmesan, don’t hesitate to pair them with your favorite sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or a creamy Alfredo for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cavatelli right after cooking. They’re at their best when freshly made!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
