Red Sauce Fusilli Recipe | Classic Italian Fusilli Pasta in Rich Tomato Sauce
Fusilli is a classic Italian pasta known for its spiral shape, which perfectly holds rich sauces and seasonings in every bite. This Red Sauce Fusilli recipe combines tender fusilli pasta with a homemade tomato-based sauce made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, herbs, and aromatic spices. The result is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a comforting family meal.
The spiral shape of fusilli allows the rich tomato sauce to cling beautifully to every twist, delivering bold flavors in each forkful. The homemade red sauce is prepared with sautéed garlic and onions, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian herbs, basil, oregano, and a touch of chili flakes for subtle warmth. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory finish, while fresh basil brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
This versatile pasta can be served as a vegetarian main course or enhanced with grilled chicken, meatballs, Italian sausage, shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted vegetables. It's quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner parties. Leftovers reheat well, making it ideal for meal prep and packed lunches.
Whether you're craving a traditional Italian pasta dinner or looking for a simple homemade recipe packed with fresh flavors, this Red Sauce Fusilli delivers restaurant-quality taste using everyday ingredients.
Cooking Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fusilli according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the fresh basil.
- Add the cooked fusilli to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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