Original Recipe: Fusilli Con Buco from Blue Apron
Way back in 2015, we decided to try out our first meal kit delivery service, Blue Apron. We saw this as a great way to learn new recipes and enhance our cooking skills. We loved some of these recipes so much that we still make them to this day, and Fusilli Con Buco is one of our favorites.
This easy, delicious, lemony pasta dish is great for quick weeknight meals and can be remixed in so many different ways. Below, we’ll explore some variations and tips that have kept this dish a staple in our kitchen.
1. Squash Substitutes
While zucchini and summer squash are great in this dish, it’s fun to vary it up once in a while. Try adding some baby spinach or broccoli instead for different textures that still complement the flavor. These alternatives not only add nutritional variety but also give the dish a fresh twist. When using these substitutes, be mindful of the cooking times. Baby spinach wilts quickly, so add it towards the end of cooking. Broccoli, on the other hand, might need a bit more time to become tender.
2. Add Some Shrimp
Though this meal is originally vegetarian, sometimes it’s nice to add some extra protein. Sauteeing shrimp in butter while cooking the vegetables can elevate the dish to a whole new level. The combination of shrimp with lemony pasta is simply irresistible. If you’re a seafood lover, this addition will not disappoint. The succulent shrimp pair perfectly with the zesty lemon sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
3. Change Up the Pasta
Fusilli is a wonderful pasta with a great texture for picking up that little bit of extra lemon butter sauce. However, it’s not always available in every grocery store. When you can’t find fusilli, don’t fret! There are plenty of other great pasta options to choose from. Traditional spaghetti can work well, absorbing the sauce beautifully. For a bolder choice, try lemon pepper flavored pappardelle. The wide, flat noodles not only hold the sauce well but also add an extra zing to the dish with their lemon pepper infusion. With the vast variety of pasta shapes and textures, along with the choice between fresh and dry pasta, the flavor and texture combinations are endless.
4. Add Some Basil
Since we’re not the biggest fans of fresh mint, we like to add a little pop of flavor to the dish with basil. Basil’s aromatic and slightly sweet flavor complements the lemony sauce wonderfully. This herb brings a fresh, vibrant element to the dish, enhancing its overall taste. You can either chiffonade the basil and sprinkle it on top just before serving or mix it into the pasta towards the end of cooking.
5. Fresh Parmesan
The original recipe calls for grated pecorino cheese, but this can be swapped out with other Italian cheeses. Our personal favorite is freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. The nutty and salty flavors of Parmesan enhance the lemony pasta, adding depth and richness. Freshly shaving the cheese over the hot pasta ensures it melts slightly, integrating beautifully with the sauce.
6. Additional Recipe Tips & Tricks
While Blue Apron recipes are pretty easy to follow, we unfortunately learned some things the hard way, which made our cooking process longer and more difficult. Here are some tips to help you avoid making the same mistakes:
- Read the Recipe in Full: Before you start cooking, read the entire recipe. It’s the worst feeling to work on Step 1 only to realize you needed to be boiling water at the same time. Preparing all your ingredients and understanding the sequence of steps can save you time and stress.
- Citrus Squeezer or Juicer: Where the recipe says to quarter and deseed the lemon, feel free to use a citrus squeezer or juicer instead. There’s no need to quarter the lemon if you’re just going to juice it. This tool makes the process quicker and ensures you get every bit of juice out.
- Pasta Cooking Water: Don’t forget to set aside some pasta cooking water. This starchy water is crucial for the sauce, helping it adhere to the pasta and adding a silky texture. It can make or break the dish, so make sure you reserve a cup before draining the pasta.
By incorporating these tips and variations, you can make Fusilli Con Buco your own. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try out some of our suggestions, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in ours. We hope you enjoy and happy cooking!