Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Jon & Vinny's inspired spicy fusilli recipe is a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. It's a perfect blend of easy recipes and delicious dishes, making homemade cooking a breeze. This recipe is packed with fresh ingredients, providing a healthy meal option without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or substitute with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 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 Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fusilli to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- To make this a complete meal, add a side salad or some crusty bread.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy: Add a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving for an extra creamy texture.
- Cheesy: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add other cheeses like mozzarella or Pecorino Romano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy meal option. It's a great example of simple homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor. Enjoy!