Classic Italian Fusilli Pasta with Garlic Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of Fusilli pasta
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked fusilli to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and cheese.
  7. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to boil the pasta.
  • Skillet - Used to cook the sauce and toss the pasta.
  • Spatula - Useful for stirring and tossing the pasta.
  • Knife - Required for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Measuring spoons - Required to measure the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Optional: Fresh basil leaves - Can be used for garnish.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the sauce.
  • Meat Lovers Variation: Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the onion in step 2.
  • Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for some heat.
  • Cheesy Variation: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to make the dish extra cheesy.
  • Creamy Variation: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a creamy twist.
  • Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to add additional flavors.

Recipe overview

This Fusilli recipe is a simple, classic Italian dish that's a favorite for many. It's a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner as it combines the delightful taste of fusilli pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato and herb sauce. The recipe also includes a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness and a hint of sharpness. You can enhance the recipe by adding fresh basil as a garnish. This dish requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks. Expect to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that's sure to satisfy your craving for a homemade pasta dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute fusilli pasta with any other type of pasta you prefer.
  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! You can add cooked ground meat, such as beef or sausage, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when ready to serve. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  5. Can I freeze leftovers? While it is possible to freeze leftovers, pasta dishes tend to lose texture and flavor when frozen. It is best to consume the dish fresh, if possible.
  6. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian. However, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or meat substitutes.
  7. Can I adjust the seasoning? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of dried herbs, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Fusilli, the spiral-shaped pasta that we've all come to love, is said to have originated in southern Italy. The name "fusilli" comes from the Italian word "fuso," meaning "spindle." This is because traditionally, the pasta dough would be spun around a small rod to create the corkscrew shape. Interestingly, the pasta was initially created by the housewives of southern Italy who were looking for a creative way to use the leftover pasta dough. They hand-rolled the dough around a knitting needle to give it its distinctive shape. This goes to show that sometimes, the most delicious things can come from the simplest and most humble beginnings -- a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.