Tomato & Marinara

Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage

Name: Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 medium onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 lb (450g) fusilli pasta; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Felix Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage — Creamy tomato sauce and sausage over fusilli

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of pasta that just feels like home. For me, it's the smell of simmering tomatoes and the sound of sizzling sausage that instantly transports me back to my childhood. My grandmother used to make the most incredible pasta dishes, and I'd sit at her kitchen table, watching in awe as she effortlessly combined simple ingredients into something truly magical. Today, I'm excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes, a classic Italian-American dish that never fails to impress: Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage.

This recipe is more than just a meal - it's a way to connect with the people you love and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a seasoned cook seeking to impress your friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, let's get started and make some delicious fusilli!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, like sweet Italian sausage and fresh tomatoes, and to take the time to develop the flavors in the sauce. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe - after all, that's what cooking is all about!

As you cook, remember that the most important ingredient is love. It's the love and care that you put into every step of the recipe that will make all the difference in the end. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Happy cooking!

In this recipe, we'll be using fusilli, a corkscrew-shaped pasta that's perfect for holding onto the rich and tangy tomato sauce. We'll also be adding some spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a nice kick. And, of course, no Italian dish would be complete without some fresh parsley and parmesan cheese on top. So, let's get started and make some delicious fusilli!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover tomatoes and sausage.
The dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The sauce is creamy and indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great fusilli dish is in the sauce. By using a combination of canned crushed tomatoes and fresh tomatoes, we can create a sauce that's both rich and tangy. The acidity in the tomatoes helps to balance out the fattiness of the sausage, while the garlic and onion add a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the sausage in a hot pan, we can create a nice crust on the outside that adds texture and flavor to the dish. And, by finishing the pasta in the sauce, we can create a creamy and indulgent sauce that coats every bite of fusilli.

Finally, the key to a great fusilli dish is to not overcook the pasta. By pulling the pasta out of the water a minute or two before it's al dente, we can create a dish that's both tender and firm. And, by adding a ladle of starchy pasta water to the sauce, we can create a creamy and indulgent sauce that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

So, there you have it - the secret to a great fusilli dish. With a little bit of love and care, you can create a dish that's both delicious and memorable. So, go ahead and give it a try, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great fusilli dish, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. That's why we're using high-quality ingredients like sweet Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. We're also using some pantry staples like garlic, onion, and olive oil to add depth and flavor to the dish. So, let's take a look at the ingredients we'll be using and why they're so important to the recipe.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality items you can find. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. Also, don't be afraid to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients to the recipe. After all, that's what cooking is all about - experimentation and having fun!

1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removedLook for high-quality Italian sausage that's made with pork and has a good balance of spices. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, if you prefer.
2 medium onions, choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer a milder flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesLook for high-quality crushed tomatoes that are made with San Marzano tomatoes. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but be sure to cook them down until they're soft and sauce-like.
1 cup (250ml) chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to avoid adding too much salt to the dish. You can also use vegetable broth or beef broth if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilUse fresh or dried basil, depending on what's available. You can also use other herbs, such as oregano or thyme, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoUse fresh or dried oregano, depending on what's available. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or thyme, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as table salt or Himalayan pink salt, if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or green pepper, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) grated parmesan cheeseUse high-quality parmesan cheese that's made with cow's milk. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, if you prefer.
1 lb (450g) fusilli pastaUse high-quality fusilli pasta that's made with durum wheat semolina. You can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse high-quality olive oil that's made with extra-virgin olives. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or oregano, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knife Cutting boardInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerLarge serving bowl

How to Make Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
2
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes, until it's thickened and the flavors have melded together.
7
While the sauce is simmering, cook the fusilli pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until it's al dente, about 7-9 minutes.
8
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the fusilli.
9
Add the cooked fusilli to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
10
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is creamy.
11
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve the fusilli hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and fresh tomatoes, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should be al dente, or still have a bit of bite to it.
Add some of the reserved pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick.
Use a variety of herbs, such as basil and oregano, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage or cheese to find your favorite combination.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven to cook the sauce, as it will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sauce from burning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not simmering the sauce for long enough, which can result in a sauce that's too thin and lacking in flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as sweet Italian sausage and fresh tomatoes, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick and sticky.
Not seasoning the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, which can result in a dish that's bland and unappetizing.
Not garnishing the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, which can add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to the sauce to add texture and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add a creamy and indulgent element to the dish.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce to brighten up the flavors and add a bit of acidity.

What to Serve With Fusilli With Tomato And Sausage

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Whatever you choose, be sure to enjoy it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer - it's the perfect way to round out a delicious and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some sautéed spinach or kale to the sauce, or serving it with a side of grilled or roasted meats. You could also add some diced tomatoes or sliced olives to the sauce to give it a bit of extra flavor and texture. Whatever you choose, be sure to have fun and get creative - that's what cooking is all about!

Serve with a green saladServe with garlic breadServe with roasted vegetablesServe with a dollop of ricotta cheeseServe with a sprinkle of parmesan cheeseServe with a side of grilled or roasted meats

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

When storing the dish, be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to the top of the container to prevent the sauce from drying out. When reheating, be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this dish include using a thermometer to ensure that the sauce is heated to a safe internal temperature, and stirring in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to give the sauce a rich and creamy texture. You could also add some grated cheese or chopped fresh herbs to the sauce to give it a bit of extra flavor and texture. Whatever you choose, be sure to have fun and get creative - that's what cooking is all about!

In addition to storing and reheating the dish, you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. This is a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it allows you to prepare the dish in advance and then simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. Simply cook the pasta and sauce as directed, then let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Sweet Italian sausage is the best type of sausage to use for this recipe, as it has a mild flavor and a coarse texture that holds up well to cooking. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, if you prefer.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but be sure to cook them down until they're soft and sauce-like. You can also use a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, be sure to add some of the reserved pasta water to the sauce as needed. You can also add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to give the sauce a rich and creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. Simply cook the pasta and sauce as directed, then let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Parmesan cheese is the best type of cheese to use for this recipe, as it has a nutty and salty flavor that complements the sausage and tomatoes well. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, if you prefer.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to give it extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook the ingredients until they're tender before adding them to the sauce.

How do I reheat the sauce?

To reheat the sauce, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. You can also add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to give the sauce a rich and creamy texture.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Simply transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or freezer bag, then store it in the freezer until you're ready to use it.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Fusilli pasta is the best type of pasta to use for this recipe, as it has a corkscrew shape that holds onto the sauce well. You can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, if you prefer.

The Full Recipe

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