This baked spicy fusilli pasta recipe combines hearty fusilli noodles with a creamy, spicy tomato sauce topped with bubbly, golden mozzarella cheese. Perfect for dinner with family and friends, it's quick to make and will satisfy your cravings for a comforting and delicious meal!
Delicious and Easy Spicy Fusilli Pasta Recipe
Some nights, all you want is a warm, comforting meal that hits the spot.
My husband and I love to cook together, and this baked spicy fusilli pasta recipe has quickly become one of our go-to dishes! It's easy to make and full of flavor - with its hearty noodles, creamy and spicy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese topping.
Trust me, one bite, and you'll be hooked!
Ingredients needed
Making this delicious dish is simple, and chances are you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
Here’s a bit more about what I used:
- Pasta: For this recipe, I used fusilli pasta noodles, but any short pasta shape will work like elbows or penne.
- Onions: I used diced red onions for a sharper, spicier taste. But, if you want a sweeter taste, yellow onions work really great as a substitution.
- Garlic: You can use fresh minced garlic cloves or pre-minced garlic from a jar to save time. You'll need 3 cloves.
- Crushed Tomatoes: I love the texture and flavor of crushed tomatoes, but you could also substitute with canned diced tomatoes if that's what you have on hand. For that fresh Italian tomato flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes.
- Milk: The creaminess of the tomato sauce comes from adding a bit of milk. I like to use almond milk to add some nuttiness to the dish, but half-and-half, heavy cream or even coconut milk will work. You'll need 2 cups.
- Red Pepper Flakes: To add some heat to the dish, I use ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food.
- Butter: I use salted butter for this recipe, but unsalted will work just fine too. You'll need 3 tablespoons.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey melted cheese topping is what takes this pasta bake to a whole new level! I love using shredded mozzarella cheese because it melts easily, but feel free to use any type of melty cheese like Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend. You'll need 1 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese brings some salty and nutty flavors to the dish. If you can, freshly grated parmesan will elevate the dish even more. You'll need ¼ cup.
- Salt and Pepper: Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste!
Kitchen tools required
Here’s a bit more information about what I used to make this spicy pasta dish.
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Oven-Safe Sauce Pan
To measure, you will need a cup, ¼ cup, a tablespoon, and ½ teaspoon.
How to make spicy fusilli pasta
Start by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the box instructions. Once it is done, set the pasta aside and start making the sauce!
Tip: While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F.
In an oven-safe saucepan, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in diced red onion and cook for a few minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour and stir in the crushed tomatoes and milk, stirring to combine. Then, mix in the butter and salt.
When the tomatoes start to bubble, bring the heat down a bit and sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Next, add the cooked pasta and toss until the noodles are well coated.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 10 minutes. Turn on the broil for the last 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Below are some common spicy fusilli questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk or half & half?
Sure! You can use any type of milk you like. But if you go with almond milk or half-and-half, it'll make the dish creamier and richer.
How spicy is this baked fusilli pasta?
The crushed red pepper flakes in this recipe give it a mild to medium kick. If you want it less spicy, just cut back on the red pepper flakes.
Can I add protein to this pasta recipe?
Absolutely! You can brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the sauce before baking for added protein and flavor.
What can I serve with spicy fusilli?
Spicy fusilli pasta is a delicious and hearty dish on its own, but it also pairs well with some homemade garlic bread dip with your favorite crusty bread or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables for the perfect meal.
Storing leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to help loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze the leftover baked pasta for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Here are some of my favorite pasta recipes you should make next. Enjoy!
- Broccoli Sausage Pasta Bake
- Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Pesto Baked Pasta
- Penne Alla Vodka With Chicken
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
Spicy Fusilli Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare pasta according to box, once cooked, set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- In a shallow oven safe sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until onions have softened. Once softened, add in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almondmilk, stir until combined. Then mix in butter and salt.
- Once bubbling, reduce heat to medium and stir in parmesan cheese, then stir in cooked pasta and mix until noodles are well coated.
- Top pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 minutes. Turn broil on for the last 2-3 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Use an oven-safe pan. Start the dish on the stove and then bake and broil it without needing to dirty up multiple dishes.
Let it cool 10 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to setup before serving.
Emily E says
Another 10/10 for ELW! Perfect easy Sunday dinner. Added some broccoli and sausage for some veg and protein. Will def be making this again!
Lauren Havrilla says
Super quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s also delicious! Our two toddlers also loved it, which is always a plus!
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so happy you all loved it! 🙂
Brenda says
Am I blind? What step do you add the crushed red pepper?
Michelle says
I have made this dish twice now. I absolutely love the flavor, but I’m not sure what I am doing wrong. I used half and half instead of milk hoping for a creamy texture, but both times I added the cream the sauce separated and became clumpy instead of creamy
Erin says
Hi Michelle, the milk is too cold - be sure to warm it before adding it in! 🙂 Enjoy!
Kaitlin says
Easy and delicious. Our four year old and seconds (with the spicy left out of his 😉)
Erin says
Hi Kaitlin, so happy you all loved it!
Robbie Stone says
This was so yummy! I added Italian sausage and skipped baking for the sake of time, but it came out so good! Everyone loved it - Thanks Erin!
Erin says
Hi Robbie, so happy you loved it so much and great idea!
Molly says
This was so enjoyable to make and eat. I totally forgot to add the butter but it was delicious regardless!
Erin says
Hi Molly, so happy you loved it and made it your own!!