Garlic Basil Fusillata with Crushed Tomatoes
Garlic Basil Fusillata with Crushed Tomatoes
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces fusillata casareccia
- 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1 can
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted, optional, for richness
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the fusillata casareccia and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 15 min
- 4
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the optional butter (if using) until the butter is melted and the cheese is well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and chopped chives (if using).
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Garlic Basil Fusillata with Crushed Tomatoes
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces fusillata casareccia
- 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1 can
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted, optional, for richness
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the fusillata casareccia and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min - 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 15 min - 4
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the optional butter (if using) until the butter is melted and the cheese is well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and chopped chives (if using).
⏱️ 1 min