Fusilli with Rustic Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) fusilli pasta 350g (12 oz) fusilli pasta
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Stir in the fresh basil and oregano, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Serve the Fusilli with Rustic Tomato Sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fusilli pasta — Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Canned crushed tomatoes — Look for high-quality canned tomatoes without any added seasonings or preservatives for the best flavor in the sauce.
• Fresh basil and oregano — If fresh herbs are not available, you can substitute with dried herbs. However, reduce the quantity by half, as dried herbs are more potent.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the pasta before serving.
• Customize the dish by adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• To make the sauce richer, you can add a splash of red wine during the simmering process.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the tomato mixture before adding the pasta.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors will further develop, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Fusilli with Rustic Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the sauce and pasta.