What Sauce Goes with Fusilli Pasta? (10 Easy Sauces)

Knowing what sauce goes best with fusilli pasta can make or break your dish.

Fusilli is a type of pasta that is made from durum wheat and shaped into helical coils.

It is commonly used in Italy and goes by many names, such as rotini, gemelli, or fusilli bucati.

While fusilli pasta pairs well with most sauces, there are some that work better than others.

In this article, I will share with you my top 10 favorite sauces to pair with fusilli pasta.

From the classic tomato sauce to the more adventurous carbonara, there is a sauce for everyone on this list.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

What Sauce Goes with Fusilli Pasta?

Some of the best sauces for fusilli pasta are arrabbiata sauce, carbonara sauce, amatriciana sauce, and pesto sauce. You can also pair fusilli with a simple tomato sauce or a garlic and oil sauce.

Looking for more ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 10 sauces that go with fusilli pasta:

1. Pesto Sauce

I love basil pesto sauce with fusilli pasta.

The pesto clings to the spirals of the pasta and the flavor is amazing.

I also like to add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to my pesto sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Try these 3 creative ways to add more flavor and texture to your pesto sauce:

• Roast the garlic before adding it to the food processor.
• Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Add a handful of baby spinach leaves to the food processor along with the basil.

2. Italian Tomato Sauce

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic Italian tomato sauce.

The acidity of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the pasta, and the addition of garlic and basil takes it to the next level.

If you’re looking for ways to add more flavor and texture to the sauce, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the food processor, or stirring in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

You could also add a handful of baby spinach leaves to the food processor along with the tomatoes.

3. Alfredo Sauce

When you want something thick and creamy to coat your fusilli pasta, this is the sauce for you.

I like to add a bit of garlic powder and black pepper to my Alfredo sauce for extra flavor.

You could also stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or salmon if you’re looking for a heartier dish.

4. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This sauce is pretty versatile- I’ve used it on chicken, fish, and vegetables.

If you’re looking for ways to add more flavor and texture to the sauce, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the food processor, or stirring in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

You could also add a handful of baby spinach leaves to the food processor along with the Parmesan cheese.

5. Browned Butter Sauce

How about a delicious browned butter sauce to top your fusilli pasta?

This easy sauce comes together in just minutes and adds a beautiful richness to the dish.

You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a little bit of heat.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try stirring in some chopped fresh sage leaves before serving.

6. Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce has always been a classic with pasta, especially Fusilli.

This is likely because of the way the sauce clings to the spirals of the pasta.

The word “marinara” actually refers to the fact that this sauce was originally made by sailors (or mariners) while out at sea.

They would cook up a tomato sauce with whatever fresh vegetables and herbs they had on hand, which typically included garlic, onions, and oregano.

Nowadays, you can find jarred marinara sauces at your local grocery store, or even make your own!

If you’re feeling extra ambitious, try pairing your Fusilli with a seafood Marinara sauce for a truly authentic experience.

7. Creamy Mushroom Sauce

I’ve always loved mushroom sauce – it’s earthy, creamy, and so versatile!

Fusilli pasta is the perfect shape to pair with this type of sauce because the spirals help to catch and hold onto all of the deliciousness.

This dish is hearty and filling, but still light enough that you don’t feel weighed down afterwards.

1. To make a creamy mushroom sauce, simply sauté mushrooms (I like to use a mixture of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms) in butter until they’re nicely browned.
2. Then, add some garlic and shallots for flavor before deglazing the pan with white wine.
3. Once the wine has evaporated, add in heavy cream and chicken stock.
4. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
5. Let the sauce simmer until it’s thickened to your desired consistency – then just toss it with cooked fusilli pasta and serve!

8. Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Lemony and garlicky all at once, this rich and creamy sauce is the perfect complement to fusilli pasta.

And with so many different ways to make it, you can easily customize it to your liking.

For a lighter sauce, use chicken broth in place of the heavy cream.

Or, for a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Recommended Pasta Shapes: Fusilli, Rotini, Spirals.

9. Easy Sundried Tomato Pesto

If basil pesto isn’t your thing, try this sundried tomato pesto recipe with your fusilli pasta instead! It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

To make the pesto, you’ll need: 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (not packed in oil), 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until it becomes a smooth paste.

You can add more olive oil if you want a thinner consistency.

Toss the pesto with cooked fusilli pasta and serve immediately.

If you want to add some extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be a great addition!

10. Arugula Basil Pesto with Pecans

This pesto will make your taste buds jump for joy!

Fusilli pasta is the perfect shape to pair with this pesto because the twists help to hold onto all of the flavorful sauce.

The arugula and basil give the pesto a nice zesty flavor, while the pecans add a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

If you want to add even more flavor to this dish, try topping it with some shredded Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients: 2 cups arugula, 1/2 cup basil leaves, 1/3 cup pecans, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Toss with cooked fusilli pasta and enjoy!