• May 24, 2023
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Spicy Tomato Fusilli

Spice up your weeknight dinner plans with this Spicy Tomato Fusilli. Bursting with the bold flavors of juicy tomatoes and a kick of heat, this pasta dish is sure to excite your taste buds.

• 10 ingredients
• 45 minutes
• 4 Servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
1 tablespoon oregano leaves, crushed (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground red pepper or cayenne, to taste
8 ounces fusilli pasta, uncooked (4 cups cooked)
Cooked chicken breast, 1/2 pound, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the minced parsley and continue to sauté for another minute.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and ground red pepper or cayenne to taste. Cook the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and create a flavorful sauce.
5. While the sauce simmers, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. If using, add the diced cooked chicken breast to the tomato sauce and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
7. Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce (and chicken, if using). Toss everything together until well-coated and the pasta is evenly mixed with the sauce.
8. Serve the Spicy Tomato Fusilli hot and enjoy the bold flavors and kick of heat!

Notes

Quality tomatoes: Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. Look for tomatoes that are firm, plump, and vibrant in color.

Adjust the spice level: The amount of ground red pepper or cayenne can be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if desired. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's challenging to reduce it once added.

Fresh herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano for maximum flavor. They add a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish. However, if fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used as a substitute (just use smaller amounts, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor).

Cook pasta al dente: When cooking the fusilli pasta, be sure to cook it until al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when bitten. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft when combined with the sauce.

Save some pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a small amount of pasta water. It can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed. The starchy pasta water can help bind the sauce and pasta together.

Taste and adjust: As you cook the sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your personal taste preferences.

Customize with toppings: Consider adding some additional toppings to enhance the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves can add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Optional chicken: If you decide to add chicken to the recipe, ensure that it is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. This can be a great opportunity to use leftover cooked chicken or cook it specifically for the dish.

Let flavors meld: After combining the pasta with the sauce, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final dish.

Enjoy leftovers: The Spicy Tomato Fusilli can be enjoyed as leftovers the next day. The flavors often deepen and develop even more, making it a tasty option for lunch or dinner.

Nutrition Detail