What Is fusilli?

fusilli

What Is Fusilli?

Fusilli (pronounced foo-SILL-ee) is a type of Italian pasta known for its curly, spiral shape. Made from semolina flour, fusilli’s twisted design is perfect for trapping sauces, making it an ideal choice for heartier, thicker sauces such as meat and cream-based ones. The name “fusilli” comes from the Italian word "fuso," meaning spindle, as the pasta is traditionally shaped by spinning strips of dough around a spindle rod.

Although it can be a little tricky to make at home, fusilli is widely available in dried form and sometimes sold fresh in specialty stores. Its price is comparable to other similar pasta varieties.

The Perfect Pairings: Sauces for Fusilli

Fusilli’s spiral shape is versatile, making it a great match for a variety of sauces. Whether it’s a simple tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or a chunky meat or vegetable sauce, fusilli holds onto every bit of flavor. It’s also excellent in pasta salads, where it can hold dressings and remain firm even after chilling.

Fusilli vs. Rotini: What’s the Difference?

Fusilli and rotini are often confused due to their similar twisted shapes. The key difference lies in how they are made: fus-illi is formed by twisting strands of pasta, while rotini is extruded into its shape. Rotini is more commonly found in the U.S. and is produced by most major pasta brands, but the two can be used interchangeably in recipes without much difference in the final dish.

It's common to find these pastas mislabeled, so check the packaging closely if you're looking for a specific type. You might even come across rotelle, the wagon-wheel-shaped pasta, mistakenly labeled as fus-illi or rotini.

How to Cook Fusilli

Fus-illi is easy to prepare, whether fresh or dried. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the fus-illi and stir to prevent sticking.
3. Cook fresh fus-illi for 3-4 minutes or dried fus-illi for 7-10 minutes until al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
4. Drain immediately and toss with sauce for hot dishes or rinse with cold water for pasta salads.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making fus-illi at home. After preparing the pasta dough, roll it out and cut it into strips. Wrap each strip around a skewer or rod to form the spiral shape. Let them dry slightly before cooking or storing.

Varieties of Fusilli

Fus-illi comes in a variety of forms to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Whole wheat and gluten-free options are available for those with specific preferences.
• Tri-color fus-illi—dyed with ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, or beets—adds a visual flair to your dishes.
• Fus-illi bucati is made with hollow tubes of pasta, twisted into spring shapes, while fus-illi lunghi consists of long, spaghetti-like spirals.

Substitutes for Fusilli

If you can’t find fus-illi, several pastas make great substitutes:

• Rotini is the closest match, offering a similar twisted shape perfect for trapping sauce.
• Cavatappi (also called cellentani) is another good option, especially if you're looking for something hollow like fus-illi bucati.
• Gemelli, with its rustic twist, is also a great alternative.

Delicious Fusilli Recipes

Fus-illi is a versatile pasta that works well in a range of dishes. Here are some recipe ideas:

• Garden Pasta Salad: Fus-illi is perfect for cold pasta salads, holding creamy dressings in its twists.
• Garlic Chicken Primavera Pasta: Toss fus-illi with vegetables, garlic, and chicken for a hearty main course.
• Baked Mac and Cheese: Swap fus-illi for macaroni in this classic dish for a twist on tradition.
• Summer Seafood Pasta Salad: Combine fus-illi with seafood, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing summer meal.

From its unique spiral shape to its ability to trap sauces, fus-illi is a pasta you’ll want to keep in your pantry for a variety of meals. Whether in salads, hearty main dishes, or pasta bakes, fus-illi is the perfect choice for adding texture and flavor to your recipes.