Casarecce Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a true taste of Italy, Casarecce Pasta Recipe is the perfect dish to bring rustic charm to your table. Originating from Sicily, the name Casarecce means “homemade,” and its shape tells the story of the Italian tradition of short, twisted noodles that hold sauce beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning to make pasta from scratch, this recipe delivers rich flavor and a comforting texture that everyone will love.

What makes Casarecce special is its ability to cradle sauce within every twist, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite. It pairs wonderfully with tomato-based sauces, creamy garlic blends, or even light pesto. In this version, we’re keeping it classic with a homemade tomato basil sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of chili for that Southern Italian warmth.

Ingredients of Casarecce Pasta 

For the Pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) Casarecce pasta
• 4 quarts water
• 1 ½ tbsp salt

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp chili flakes 
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
• ½ lb Italian sausage or grilled chicken for added protein

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or saucepan for sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining pasta
• Cheese grater

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to the water and it should taste slightly salty like the sea.

Step 2: Drop in the Casarecce pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 10–12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Add tomato paste, stir for a minute, then pour in the crushed tomatoes. 

Step 4: Mix in Italian seasoning, sugar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and develop deep flavor.

Step 5: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked Casarecce pasta to the pan. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. 

Step 6: Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Add fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts slightly into the sauce.

Step 7: Serve the Casarecce pasta warm, topped with more parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer & Reheat: : Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Add a splash of water or broth and reheat in a skillet over low heat to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Pro Tips for Perfect Casarecce Pasta Recipe

1. Don’t overcook the pasta. Casarecce should remain slightly firm to hold up under sauce.
2. Use high-quality tomatoes. The flavor of your sauce depends on them — look for San Marzano or vine-ripened varieties.
3. Reserve pasta water. It’s full of starch, which helps the sauce cling better.
4. Finish in the pan. Mixing pasta and sauce together over low heat helps infuse flavor evenly.
5. Add protein or veggies. Try Italian sausage, roasted eggplant, or mushrooms for a heartier meal.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Total Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 8 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Calcium: 95 mg
• Iron: 2.5 mg
• Potassium: 430 mg

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Ditalini Pasta Recipe
• Paula Deen Banana Bread 
• Qdoba Chicken Recipe
• Chicken Nuggets

FAQs

Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Casarecce comes in gluten-free varieties made from rice or corn flour. Just adjust the cooking time as directed on the package.

Q2: What sauces go best with Casarecce pasta?
A: Casarecce works beautifully with tomato-based sauces, creamy Alfredo, or pesto. Its twisted shape holds chunky or smooth sauces perfectly.

Q3: Can I make Casarecce pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, refrigerate them, and combine just before serving. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.

Q4: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
A: Definitely! Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the parmesan or replace it with vegan cheese. The tomato basil sauce is naturally vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

The Casarecce Pasta Recipe is everything Italian comfort food should be simple, flavorful, and heartwarming. Every twisted strand soaks up the rich tomato sauce, making it an unforgettable dish that tastes like it came straight from a sicilian kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish never fails to impress. Add your personal touch with extra herbs, a bit of spice, or your favorite protein and you’ll have a meal that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with authentic mediterranean flavor.