Yesterday, I was craving pizza and pasta when this recipe gem landed in my inbox. You’ve probably never thought to combine pepperoni and pesto but trust me, it’s surprisingly tasty.
This 20-minute fusilli masterpiece isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s what happens when Italian-American comfort food gets a glow-up.
And while some might raise an eyebrow at this unconventional pairing, let me tell you why this recipe’s about to become your new weeknight bestie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal quickly.
- Kid-approved comfort food that combines the familiar flavors of pepperoni with homemade pesto sauce.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store, making it an economical choice for family dinners.
- Fusilli pasta’s spiral shape perfectly catches and holds the pesto sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Excellent meal prep option – tastes even better the next day and packs perfectly for school or work lunches.
Like other budget-friendly meals, this recipe costs under $10 and easily feeds a family of four while providing delicious leftovers.
Quick Pepperoni & Pesto Fusilli Recipe
This classic Italian-American fusion dish combines the bold flavors of pepperoni with aromatic basil pesto and perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. As a busy dad who needs quick yet satisfying meals, this has become one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 8 ounces pepperoni, sliced into quarters
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance – the pepperoni adds a spicy, savory element while the pesto provides fresh, herbal notes. Store-bought pesto works well, but homemade elevates the dish. For a lighter version, turkey pepperoni can be substituted. Any short pasta like rotini or penne works if fusilli isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fusilli according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and pepperoni, cooking until garlic is fragrant and pepperoni begins to crisp (2-3 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining pasta.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with pepperoni.
- Stir in pesto and 1/4 cup pasta water, tossing until well combined.
- Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Top with grated Parmesan before serving.
Additional Tips
From my restaurant experience, I’ve learned that slightly undercooking the pasta and finishing it in the pan with the sauce creates the perfect texture.
Don’t rinse the pasta – the starch helps the sauce cling better. I often make extra pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays for meal prep.
When crisping the pepperoni, it can quickly go from perfectly crispy to burnt. Keep an eye on it. Add sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
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Nutritional Guide
Nutritional Guide (Per Serving)
Calories: 580
Protein: 22g
Total Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 890mg
*Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use different pasta shapes?
While any pasta shape will work in this recipe, fusilli is particularly effective at holding the pesto sauce in its spiral grooves.
Can you make it ahead?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance, but avoid excessive reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Will turkey pepperoni work as a substitute?
Turkey pepperoni is an acceptable alternative, though traditional pepperoni provides better flavor and overall taste experience.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Store-bought pesto works well for quick preparation, but homemade pesto made with fresh basil offers superior flavor when time permits. Consider freezing pesto cubes for convenient homemade portions that can be thawed as needed.
Final Thoughts
After making this pepperoni and pesto fusilli countless times for my family, I can honestly say it’s become our go-to weeknight dinner superhero. The combination of zesty pepperoni and bright, herbaceous pesto creates pure magic in every bite.
You’ll love how this dish brings everyone to the table without the usual dinnertime drama. Trust me, as a dad of three picky eaters, that’s no small feat! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this pasta delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort.
