Fusilli With Roasted Tomatoes, Pesto And Mozzarella
Fusilli tossed with roasted tomatoes, fresh pesto, and mozzarella creates a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick, satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place plum tomatoes, cut side down, on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until wrinkled, approximately 5 minutes.
- Chop the roasted tomatoes and set aside.
- Prepare pesto sauce according to your recipe.
- Cook fusilli until al dente, then drain.
- Toss hot cooked fusilli with pesto sauce.
- Add chopped roasted tomatoes and chopped mozzarella to the pasta.
- Mix well and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or red pepper flakes to the roasted tomatoes. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella or even a vegan cheese can work in a pinch. When preparing the pesto, feel free to substitute any nuts you have on hand, such as walnuts or pecans, for a different taste. This dish is versatile enough to accommodate various seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served immediately after preparation, but you can enhance the meal with a side salad or some Italian Fiesta Vegetables for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can add extra flavor. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent it from drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the mozzarella rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fusilli With Roasted Tomatoes, Pesto And Mozzarella contains roughly 642 calories, with 25g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (57% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1062mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is perfect for holding the pesto and tomatoes, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare the pasta and pesto ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine everything when you're ready to eat. Remember to add the mozzarella just before serving for the best texture.
What can I add to make this dish heartier?
To make this dish more filling, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. These additions will give you extra protein and make it a more complete meal.
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).