Save A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce.
I first made this fusilli after a busy workday, craving comfort and speed. The bacon and mushrooms made the kitchen smell amazing, and dinner was ready in just half an hour.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Dairy: 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return bacon to the skillet. Add drained fusilli and toss well to combine. If mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish always reminds me of weekend family dinners, when everyone gathers around a big bowl of pasta and laughter flows as freely as the wine.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), milk (Parmesan), pork (bacon). Double-check labels for gluten or dairy if using substitutes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 460, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 17 g.
Save Toss everything gently before serving to keep the pasta light and flavorful. Enjoy this comforting dish with fresh Parmesan and good company.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, pancetta offers a richer flavor while maintaining the dish's savory profile. Cook it the same way as bacon.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add a splash when tossing to keep the dish moist and help bind the sauce.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Omit the bacon and increase mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for a hearty vegetable alternative.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Fusilli works well due to its spiral shape, which holds sauce and bits of bacon and vegetables evenly.
- → Is freshly grated Parmesan necessary?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor, but pre-grated can be used if needed.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.