Fusilli Pasta with Basil and Tomato Sauce
If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe, you've come to the right place! This fusilli pasta with basil and tomato sauce is a burst of flavors, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner with loved ones. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare it, along with some tips and variations that will turn your dish into a true culinary masterpiece.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 200 g fusilli pasta
- 80 g creamy cheese like feta
- 2 tablespoons grated aged telemea cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese
- Fresh or dried basil
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 handfuls of pitted Kalamata olives
- A few slices of celery for flavor
- 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 5 large cloves of garlic, crushed
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200-300 ml basil tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 2 liters of water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 50 g butter
- A few tablespoons of olive oil
Cooking the pasta:
To achieve perfectly cooked pasta, remember the golden rule: use 1 liter of water for every 100 g of pasta. So, for 200 g of fusilli pasta, you'll need 2 liters of water.
1. In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. When the water starts to bubble, add the 2 tablespoons of salt and stir well. The salt not only flavors the pasta but also helps maintain its color.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the fusilli pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander, making sure to reserve a cup of the cooking water. This will be used to adjust the sauce's consistency.
Preparing the sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce so that everything is ready at the same time.
1. In a large skillet, add 50 g of butter and a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. A combination of olive oil and butter will give the sauce a rich flavor and creamy texture.
2. When the butter has melted, add the crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
3. Add the finely sliced celery and let it sauté for about 2-3 minutes. This will add a slightly crunchy taste and a delicious aroma to the sauce.
4. Next, add the olives, cherry tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Now it's time to add the spices: basil, curry, sweet paprika, nutmeg, and freshly ground pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. At this point, add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and stir well. This will help blend the flavors and make the sauce creamier.
Finishing the dish:
1. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the creamy cheese, grated telemea, and grated cheese. Stir well to melt the cheese and incorporate it into the sauce.
2. Now it's time to add the drained pasta to the skillet in a few batches, stirring after each addition to ensure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
3. Allow the pasta to heat together with the sauce for a few minutes so that the flavors meld perfectly.
4. When everything is well mixed, add the chopped fresh parsley and stir again. This will add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld and make the pasta even more delicious.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with a bit of fresh basil and grated cheese on top. This delicious pasta pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad and a glass of dry white wine, which will balance the rich flavors of the sauce.
Delicious variations:
- If you want a meaty version, add 200 g of cooked bacon, diced, to the tomato sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- You can experiment with other types of pasta, such as penne or farfalle, to change the texture and appearance of the dish.
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Nutritional information:
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, and the cheeses add protein and calcium. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which contributes to heart health. However, it's wise to be mindful of portions, as cheeses can add extra calories.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for added fiber and nutrients.
- How can I store leftover pasta?
Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water to bring it back to life.
This fusilli pasta with basil and tomato sauce recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, you'll surely leave a lasting impression with this simple yet refined dish. Enjoy!
If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe, you've come to the right place! This fusilli pasta with basil and tomato sauce is a burst of flavors, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner with loved ones. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare it, along with some tips and variations that will turn your dish into a true culinary masterpiece.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 200 g fusilli pasta
- 80 g creamy cheese like feta
- 2 tablespoons grated aged telemea cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese
- Fresh or dried basil
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 handfuls of pitted Kalamata olives
- A few slices of celery for flavor
- 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 5 large cloves of garlic, crushed
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200-300 ml basil tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 2 liters of water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 50 g butter
- A few tablespoons of olive oil
Cooking the pasta:
To achieve perfectly cooked pasta, remember the golden rule: use 1 liter of water for every 100 g of pasta. So, for 200 g of fusilli pasta, you'll need 2 liters of water.
1. In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. When the water starts to bubble, add the 2 tablespoons of salt and stir well. The salt not only flavors the pasta but also helps maintain its color.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the fusilli pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander, making sure to reserve a cup of the cooking water. This will be used to adjust the sauce's consistency.
Preparing the sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce so that everything is ready at the same time.
1. In a large skillet, add 50 g of butter and a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. A combination of olive oil and butter will give the sauce a rich flavor and creamy texture.
2. When the butter has melted, add the crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
3. Add the finely sliced celery and let it sauté for about 2-3 minutes. This will add a slightly crunchy taste and a delicious aroma to the sauce.
4. Next, add the olives, cherry tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Now it's time to add the spices: basil, curry, sweet paprika, nutmeg, and freshly ground pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. At this point, add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and stir well. This will help blend the flavors and make the sauce creamier.
Finishing the dish:
1. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the creamy cheese, grated telemea, and grated cheese. Stir well to melt the cheese and incorporate it into the sauce.
2. Now it's time to add the drained pasta to the skillet in a few batches, stirring after each addition to ensure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
3. Allow the pasta to heat together with the sauce for a few minutes so that the flavors meld perfectly.
4. When everything is well mixed, add the chopped fresh parsley and stir again. This will add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld and make the pasta even more delicious.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with a bit of fresh basil and grated cheese on top. This delicious pasta pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad and a glass of dry white wine, which will balance the rich flavors of the sauce.
Delicious variations:
- If you want a meaty version, add 200 g of cooked bacon, diced, to the tomato sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- You can experiment with other types of pasta, such as penne or farfalle, to change the texture and appearance of the dish.
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Nutritional information:
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, and the cheeses add protein and calcium. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which contributes to heart health. However, it's wise to be mindful of portions, as cheeses can add extra calories.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for added fiber and nutrients.
- How can I store leftover pasta?
Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water to bring it back to life.
This fusilli pasta with basil and tomato sauce recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, you'll surely leave a lasting impression with this simple yet refined dish. Enjoy!