Fusilli Alla Crazy Bastard

Indulge in the bold, fiery flavors of Fusilli Alla Crazy Bastard, a delightful pasta dish that packs a punch with its combination of garlic, red chili peppers, and crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe marries tangy capers and umami-rich anchovy fillets with the sweetness of sautéed cherry tomatoes, creating a sauce that clings to every twist of perfectly al dente fusilli. The addition of parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves provides a creamy, aromatic finish that balances out its spicy kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick yet sophisticated dish is perfect for adventurous pasta lovers who crave a zesty, restaurant-worthy meal at home. Make it your go-to for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams fusilli pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 red chili peppers
• 300 grams cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 10 basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 anchovy fillets

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Finely chop the garlic cloves and red chili peppers. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, anchovy fillets, and capers, breaking up the anchovies with a spoon so they dissolve into the sauce.

Step 6

Add the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 7

Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Add the cooked fusilli to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1017.9 grams (1017.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2089

Total Fat 54.60g	70%
Saturated Fat 16.70g	84%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 70mg	23%
Sodium 5769mg	251%
Total Carbohydrate 320.80g	117%
Dietary Fiber 22.30g	80%
Total Sugars 24.80g
Protein 88.10g	176%

Vitamin D 160IU	800%
Calcium 877mg	67%
Iron 14mg	75%
Potassium 2303mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.1%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 60.3%