Fusilli with sausages

Fusilli with Sausages - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world full of quick and complex recipes, fusilli with sausages stands out as a simple yet flavorful dish. This meal is not only an excellent choice for a family dinner but also an opportunity to play with flavors and textures. Let’s explore each step of this recipe together and learn how to achieve a perfect result.

The story of the recipe

Fusilli with sausages has quickly become a favorite in many kitchens, thanks to its combination of delicious pasta and succulent meat. This recipe offers a medley of flavors that blend harmoniously, with each ingredient playing an important role in creating a rich and savory sauce. Whether you prepare it for a family gathering or as a quick lunch during the week, this dish will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Necessary ingredients

- 500g fusilli (I recommend Barilla for excellent texture)
- 500g sausages (choose quality sausages that add extra flavor)
- 700ml tomato juice (preferably homemade for a more intense taste)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 carrot (grated for a pleasant texture)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Dried basil (for an aromatic accent)
- Oregano (for a Mediterranean note)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish and freshness)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for a richer taste)

Step by step in preparing fusilli with sausages

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and cook the fusilli according to the package instructions. They should be al dente, meaning they have a firm texture when bitten. This will take about 8-10 minutes.

2. Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is boiling, let’s prepare the sauce. Clean the vegetables: finely chop the onion and bell pepper, and grate the carrot. These vegetables will add not only flavor but also a pleasant texture to the sauce.

3. Sauté the sausages: In a large skillet, heat the two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sausages sliced into thin pieces and let them sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until they become golden and crispy. This process will help release the delicious flavors from the sausages.

4. Add the vegetables: Once the sausages are sautéed, add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Let them sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften. This is the moment when the flavors mix, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

5. Incorporate the tomato juice: Add the tomato juice to the skillet, mixing well. Then, season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time allows the flavors to blend perfectly, and the sauce to become rich and creamy.

6. Finalization: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the skillet over the sausage sauce. Mix everything well, ensuring that the pasta is completely coated with the delicious sauce.

7. Serving: Serve the dish warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, with grated Parmesan on top. This final touch will provide a unique taste and texture.

Practical tips for a perfect result

- Choose quality sausages: The final taste of the recipe depends greatly on the quality of the sausages used. Opt for fresh sausages with well-balanced spices.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If you are using a small skillet, it might be better to cook the sausages and vegetables in two stages to avoid steaming and to achieve even browning.
- Customize the sauce: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to diversify the recipe. You can also use your favorite spices, such as chili for a spicy kick.
- Vary the type of pasta: If you don’t have fusilli on hand, you can also use other types of short pasta, such as penne or farfalle, without compromising too much on flavor.

Nutritional information

This recipe offers a balanced meal, containing protein from sausages, carbohydrates from pasta, and fiber from vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 650 calories (variable depending on the type of sausages and the amount of Parmesan used). It is an excellent choice for a comforting dinner, especially on chilly days.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use vegetarian sausages?
Yes, vegetarian sausages or marinated tofu can be used to create a vegetarian version of this recipe.

2. What other sauces can I use?
You can experiment with cream sauces or pesto for a different approach.

3. How can I store pasta if I cooked too much?
Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheating can be easily done in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to restore the texture.

4. What drinks pair well with this recipe?
A light red wine or a craft beer are excellent options that can complement the flavors of the dish.

Fusilli with sausages is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together at the table. By preparing this recipe, you not only enjoy a delicious dish but also create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So, put on your apron and let’s cook!