If you’re longing for a quick yet vibrant meal that celebrates pasta in all its twirly, saucy glory, let me introduce you to the game-changing usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce. This dish riffs off a classic Italian staple, but amps up the flavor and color with just a handful of fresher-than-fresh ingredients. Imagine glossy cherry tomatoes that burst into a bright, tangy sauce, wrapping every coil of fusilli in garlicky, peppery goodness—then garnished with fresh parsley and a snowcap of Parmesan. It’s weeknight easy, sings with summer energy, and brings out smiles from the very first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce lies in its short, essential ingredient list. Each item brings its own magic, from the mellow heat to the sun-kissed sweetness, building a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Fusilli pasta (12 oz): Its spirals hold the sauce beautifully, making every bite burst with flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): The base for sautéing, lending silkiness and a fruity aroma to the finished sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): This classic pungency infuses the oil and popcorns up every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (1 tsp): For that signature spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference!
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, mixed red and yellow): They bring natural sweetness and pop when cooked, making the sauce fresh and jewel-toned.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Simple, but essential for balancing and highlighting every flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A finishing touch of herbal brightness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that melts into the warm pasta.
How to Make usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Fusilli
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fusilli and give it a good stir so the curls don’t stick together. Cook until al dente—firm but giving—about 8-10 minutes, depending on your pasta brand. Before draining, don’t forget to scoop out half a cup of that salty, starchy pasta water; it’ll work wonders in your sauce later. Once the pasta’s perfect, drain it and set aside.
Step 2: Create That Aromatic Base
While the pasta’s boiling, slide over to your skillet and pour in the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. In just a minute, your kitchen will start to smell incredible, as the garlic and chili gently sizzle, infusing the oil with robust, spicy notes.
Step 3: Burst Those Tomatoes
Toss your cherry tomatoes into the skillet. The moment they hit the heat, they’ll start to soften and blister. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes, until most have split and released their juices. For extra sauciness, smash a few tomatoes against the pan with the back of your spoon. This is where the magic happens, transforming those juicy jewels into a quick, rustic sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Turn the heat to low, add your drained fusilli right into the skillet with the tomatoes, and pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together—use tongs to really coat each piece—so the sauce clings to every nook. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 5: The Final Flourish
Just before serving, shower your usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce with plenty of fresh parsley and a blizzard of grated Parmesan cheese. Give it one last gentle toss so the cheese begins to melt where it touches the hot pasta. Serve immediately, piping hot and impossibly fresh.
How to Serve usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce
Garnishes
A handful of chopped parsley or even a touch of fresh basil goes a long way in brightening up usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce. Always finish with a generous dusting of Parmesan, and if you love a bigger flavor punch, add a drizzle of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta sings on its own, but it’s also happy alongside a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or even warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. The simple, bold nature of usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce lets you keep the sides seasonal and unfussy.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, dish usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce into shallow bowls, top with a small burrata for added creaminess, or serve family-style from a big platter garnished with extra herbs and colorful cherry tomato halves. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as the tastebuds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for an even more satisfying lunch the next day.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze this dish, fresh tomato sauces are best enjoyed in the moment. If you do freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to one month. Just know the texture of the tomatoes will become a little softer upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a tablespoon or two of water into the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over low heat while tossing. This will revive the sauce and prevent the fusilli from drying out. A fresh grating of Parmesan on top after reheating never hurts!
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle all work beautifully with the Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce, though fusilli’s twists really catch the sauce for extra flavor in each bite.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written, usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce is vegetarian—just check your Parmesan, as some brands may use animal rennet. For a vegan variation, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes add the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even quartered Campari tomatoes. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy for best results.
How can I make it less (or more) spicy?
Simple! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. For milder sauce, use just half a teaspoon; for a fiery kick, add more or even swirl in a pinch of chili oil at the end.
What proteins pair well with this?
Grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even crispy tofu all taste fantastic with usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce. Serve them on the side or toss right into the pasta for a heartier meal!
Final Thoughts
No matter your skill level or craving, usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat—all those cheery tomatoes and swirling pasta just feel impossibly joyful. Invite some friends, grab a loaf of good bread, and make dinner magic happen!
Print
usilli with Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful pasta dish featuring fusilli coated in a spicy burst cherry tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Fusilli Pasta:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
Spicy Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (mixed red and yellow)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Fusilli: Cook fusilli until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes. Cook until they burst, about 8–10 minutes. Smash some for more sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat. Season with salt, pepper, parsley, and top with Parmesan. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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