Fragrant Basil Pesto Fusilli Pasta
Homemade Italian Delights: Crafting Fragrant Basil Pesto Fusilli Pasta
Whip up a delightful fusilli pasta using homemade basil pesto, bursting with fresh basil flavor! The spiral shape of fusilli pasta is perfect for catching every bit of the sauce, ensuring a rich and satisfying taste. Let’s get started on this simple yet elegant Italian dish. The addition of garlic and mushrooms adds another layer of delightful flavor.
Main Ingredients
- Fusilli pasta 80g
- Fresh basil pesto 4-5 Tbsp
- Garlic 5 cloves
- Mushrooms, a handful (e.g., oyster, button)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch
- Olive oil, generously
- Black pepper, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
While a standard serving of pasta is around 100g per person, 80g of fusilli is a perfect portion size. Feel free to adjust this based on your appetite.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a pinch of salt. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions, typically around 10 minutes. It’s best to test a strand for ‘al dente’ texture – tender but with a slight bite.
Step 3
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Add thinly sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned, add the drained fusilli pasta directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the garlic-infused olive oil.
Step 5
Add the basil pesto, chopped mushrooms, and a pinch of black pepper to the skillet. Incorporate about a ladleful of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and achieve a silky consistency. Stir everything together gently over low heat until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6
Serve the basil pesto fusilli pasta onto a plate. Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the top. This adds a subtle kick that balances the richness of the basil pesto, making the dish even more delightful.
