Fusilli With Fresh Tomato Sauce
Fusilli with fresh tomato sauce offers a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer or quick weeknight dinners. The bright tomato base combined with fresh basil, onion, and Parmesan creates a wholesome meal that pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread, appealing to pasta lovers seeking fresh, simple flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice a large X on the bottom of each tomato.
- Immerse the tomatoes into boiling water for 15 seconds.
- Remove and let cool, then peel off the skin.
- Slice the peeled tomatoes into 1-inch chunks, letting the seeds fall out.
- In a skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, leaf oregano, black pepper, and chicken broth.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add chopped fresh basil or dried basil and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. If fresh tomatoes are not available, substitute with canned whole tomatoes. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This dish pairs nicely with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Chicken Cutlets With Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fusilli hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra basil for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. Additionally, consider serving it with a side of Chicken Cacciatore(Crock-Pot) for a complete Italian meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the pasta's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fusilli With Fresh Tomato Sauce contains roughly 350 calories, with 23g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 350 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this dish, you can use sun-dried tomatoes in a pinch. Just rehydrate them in warm water or olive oil before adding them to the sauce. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce. This will provide a heartier meal without compromising taste.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Always cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water to ensure even cooking. Follow the package instructions for timing, but taste a minute or two before the suggested time to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).