Italian Sausage with Fusilli

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this hearty Italian Sausage with Fusilli recipe! Perfectly al dente spirals of fusilli are coated in a robust, homemade tomato sauce infused with the rich savoriness of crumbled Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and caramelized onions. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, while dried oregano and basil provide a classic herbaceous twist. Finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and garnished with vibrant basil leaves, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy weeknight recipe is a family favorite that delivers bold flavor in every bite—perfect for pasta lovers seeking a touch of Italian authenticity!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams fusilli pasta
• 4 links Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 50 grams, grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 for garnish fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage links, crumble the sausage into the skillet, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 6

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 splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1784.5 grams (1784.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2985

Total Fat 122.60g	157%
Saturated Fat 38.60g	193%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 245mg	82%
Sodium 6048mg	263%
Total Carbohydrate 362.50g	132%
Dietary Fiber 30.10g	108%
Total Sugars 50.20g
Protein 125.90g	252%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 891mg	69%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 4669mg	99%

*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: 36.1%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 47.4%