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 with bacon, onions, and mushrooms on a busy Monday night when I needed something comforting but fast. Every time I prepare it, my family is amazed at how restaurant&quality it tastes given how little time it takes.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Bacon: 150 g (5 oz) diced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/4 cup), plus extra for serving
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Crisp 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 the 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 the 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 The kids always ask for seconds, and it&s a rare pasta that everyone in the house agrees is a repeat favorite. It also rekindled memories of pasta nights I enjoyed growing up.
Required Tools
Use a large pot for boiling, a skillet for sautéing, and a slotted spoon to easily lift the bacon. A sharp knife and cutting board make prep a breeze.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat from the pasta, milk in the Parmesan cheese, and pork from the bacon. Always check labels if using substitutes to avoid gluten or dairy.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers approximately 460 calories, 18 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 17 g protein, making it a satisfying main meal.
Save Enjoy your fusilli hot and fresh, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley for the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, smoked pancetta adds a richer, slightly different flavor profile and works well in this dish.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and increase the amount of mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for extra texture.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Fusilli is ideal as its spiral shape holds the sauce and ingredients well, enhancing each bite.
- → How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some cooking water and add a splash when tossing the pasta to keep it moist and silky.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper taste, though Parmesan is traditional.