Rachid Yousfi
Fusilli, with its signature spiral shape, is more than just a pasta—it’s a canvas for flavor. Originating from Southern Italy, this pasta was traditionally hand-rolled around thin rods to create its characteristic curls. Today, fusilli is a staple in kitchens worldwide, thanks to its ability to hold onto rich sauces, herbs, and seasonings, making every bite a delightfully textured experience.
Why I Love This Recipe?
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bowl of this recipe. Maybe it’s the way the spirals cradle a creamy sauce, or how they add a playful twist to a simple pasta salad. For me, fusilli is the pasta of joy—the kind you make when you want a meal that’s effortless yet indulgent.
One of my fondest memories involves making fusilli with my grandmother. She believed pasta-making was a labor of love, and while I often took shortcuts with store-bought varieties, she insisted on rolling the dough by hand. Even today, whenever I cook fusilli, I can almost hear her humming in the kitchen, her hands dusted with flour, shaping each piece with care. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a slow-cooked pasta dish, this recipe is a love letter to those simple, comforting moments.
Fusilli Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or spiral pasta roller
- Rolling Pin
- Knife or dough cutter
- Large pot
- Colander
- Floured surface
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water
For a Simple Garlic Butter Sauce :
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Making the DoughIn a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs.Add olive oil and water, then slowly mix the flour into the eggs using a fork.Once the mixture becomes crumbly, knead it with your hands on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Shaping the FusilliAfter resting, roll the dough into a thin sheet (about ¼ inch thick).Cut the dough into long strips, about ¼-inch wide.Using a fork or a pasta board, roll each strip around the tines to create spirals. If using hands, twist each strip tightly and set it aside on a floured surface.
- Step 3: Cooking the FusilliBring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.Add the shaped fusilli and cook for 2–3 minutes if fresh, or 10 minutes if dried.Drain using a colander and set aside.
- Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce (Optional)In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.Add minced garlic and chili flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.Toss in the cooked fusilli, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce.Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Semolina for Extra Firmness – If you want a firmer texture, replace half the all-purpose flour with semolina flour. It makes the pasta hold its shape better.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – Knead the dough just until smooth. Over-kneading can make the pasta too tough.
- Flour the Surface Lightly – When rolling and shaping, use minimal flour to prevent sticking but avoid over-dusting, which can dry out the pasta.
- Cook in Well-Salted Water – The key to flavorful pasta is to cook it in water that’s “as salty as the sea” to enhance its taste.
- Store Pasta Properly – If making in advance, let shaped fusilli dry for 30 minutes, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions for Fusilli
The beauty of fusilli lies in its versatility. Whether you’re craving something creamy, fresh, or bold, there’s a way to make this pasta shine.
- Classic Tomato & Basil – A timeless favorite! Toss cooked fusilli with a homemade marinara sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The spirals soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite a burst of tangy, herby goodness.
- Creamy Pesto & Chicken – If you love bold, nutty flavors, this one’s for you. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil to create a rich pesto, then mix it with grilled chicken and fusilli for a satisfying meal.
- Garlic Butter & Shrimp – Simple yet luxurious! Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and chili flakes, then toss with al dente fusilli and a squeeze of lemon for a light yet flavorful dish.
- Fusilli Primavera – A celebration of fresh veggies! Stir-fry bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, then mix them with fusilli and a drizzle of olive oil for a vibrant, healthy meal.
No matter how you serve it, this recipe has a way of turning the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary.
Try this also : The Ultimate Summer Sausage Recipe
Variations Fusilli
While thias recipe is delicious in its classic form, experimenting with different variations can add a fun twist to your meal.
- Whole Wheat for a Healthier Bite – Swap traditional recipe for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber and keep things heart-healthy. Pair it with a light olive oil and lemon dressing for a refreshing taste.
- Spicy Arrabbiata – If you love a little heat, cook your fusilli in a fiery arrabbiata sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes. Perfect for spice lovers!
- Cheesy Baked – Transform your pasta into a comforting baked dish by layering fusilli with a rich béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baking until golden and bubbly.
- Mediterranean Salad – A cold pasta dish loaded with olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, and a lemon-oregano dressing. Ideal for summer lunches or potlucks.
No matter which variation you choose, this recipe versatility ensures you’ll never run out of delicious ways to enjoy it!
Storage & Shelf Life of Fusilli
Proper storage ensures your fusilli stays as delicious as the day you made it.
- Cooked it– Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing it– For longer storage, freeze cooked fusilli in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips – Reheat refrigerated recipe by tossing it in a pan with a splash of water or broth to restore its moisture. For frozen this recipe , thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Uncooked it– Keep dry fusilli in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry. It can last for up to two years if stored properly.
By following these storage tips, you’ll always have a quick, ready-to-go pasta meal at your fingertips!
Health Benefits of Fusilli
While pasta often gets a bad rap, this recipe when balanced with nutritious ingredients—can be part of a healthy diet.
- Good Source of Energy : Thias recipe provides a steady source of carbohydrates, giving your body the energy it needs to power through the day.
- Whole Wheat Options for Extra Fiber : Choosing whole wheat fusilli over traditional pasta increases fiber intake, aiding digestion and keeping you fuller for longer.
- Protein-Packed When Paired with the Right Ingredients : Adding lean proteins like chicken, shrimp, or legumes boosts the nutritional value of your meal, making it more balanced.
- Heart-Healthy When Cooked with Olive Oil and Vegetables : Pairing fusilli with heart-friendly ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and leafy greens turns it into a wholesome dish packed with antioxidants.
By making mindful ingredient choices, this recipe can be as nourishing as it is delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make it from scratch?
Yes! Homemade fusilli requires a simple dough made from flour, eggs, and water. Roll and shape it using a fork or a pasta maker for that authentic touch.
2. How do I keep it from sticking together?
Toss it with a little olive oil after draining, or ensure you’re using plenty of boiling water to prevent clumping. Stirring frequently also helps!
3. What’s the best sauce for it?
It depends on your preference! Creamy sauces like Alfredo cling well to fusilli’s spirals, while lighter options like garlic olive oil keep it fresh and simple.
4. Can I use itin soups?
Absolutely! Fusilli holds up well in brothy soups, adding a fun texture to minestrone or chicken noodle soup.
5. Is it gluten-free?
This recipe contains wheat, but there are gluten-free versions made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas available in most grocery stores.
This recipe is more than just pasta—it’s a comfort food, a versatile meal base, and a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you love it smothered in a rich sauce, tossed in a fresh salad, or baked into a cheesy delight, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these delightful spirals. Try this recipe, experiment with variations, and let fusilli become a go-to favorite in your home!
