Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy pasta dish that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Fusilli Col Buco recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. This easy recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your repertoire of healthy meals. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Fusilli Col Buco:
- For a richer flavor, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
- If you don’t have dried oregano and basil, feel free to use fresh herbs instead. About 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs should suffice.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- A splash of white wine adds depth to the flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy Fusilli Col Buco: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Fusilli Col Buco: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
- Meat Lover's Fusilli Col Buco: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the onions and garlic for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
This simple Fusilli Col Buco recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It's a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also healthy and easy to prepare. Enjoy!