A Taste of Southern Italy

Fusilli Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce: A Fiery Twister of Delight!

This recipe is one that originates from Southern Italy; A place wherein delectable foods are no uncommon sight. The highlight of this concoction would have to be the fusilli, which is a curly pasta shape traditionally made by rolling strips of pasta dough over a thin rod. Whilst the fusilli itself is a highlight, it would be unable to truly shine without the aid of the signature chunky, spicy yet attractive tomato sauce. Those two ingredients form a dynamic duo; the grooves of the fusilli trap the sauce, which make it so that every single bite is filled with eye-rolling delight.

"This recipe has genuinely changed my life. Upon the first taste of it, I was immediately faced with the most powerful epiphany of all: Love is real. Since that fateful day, I have dedicated every waking moment of my existence to replicating this taste. For the record, no, this is not an overreaction." - Anonymous Chef Who May Not Actually Exist

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a deep rust color.
6. Add the San Marzano tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
8. Add The cooked pasta directly to the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
9. Garnish with fresh basil, extra red pepper flakes, and more Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Tips

• If you don't have heavy cream, milk and butter is a viable substitute. To make 1 cup of heavy cream, mix ^2/3cup of whole milk with ^1/3 cup melted butter.
• ₂ teaspoons of red pepper flakes allow for a higher, more intense heat.