Pin A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce.
This recipe became a weeknight staple after I served it to friends who raved about the combination of crispy bacon with earthy mushrooms. It has been a comforting dinner in our house ever since.
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
- Boil 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 & Serve:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin Gathering around the dinner table with my family, this pasta always brings smiles and requests for second helpings—it is truly a comfort meal we all enjoy together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), milk (Parmesan), and pork (bacon). Always check ingredient packaging for gluten or dairy if substituting.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 460, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 17 g per serving
Pin Enjoy this fuss-free pasta dish for weeknight dinners—it is both satisfying and easy to prepare for all ages.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fusilli is ideal as its spiral shape holds the sauce and ingredients well, but other short pasta like penne or rotini can be used as substitutes.
- → Can I use a vegetarian alternative for bacon?
Yes, smoked pancetta or plant-based bacon alternatives can provide similar savory flavors. Alternatively, increase mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for extra texture.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming dry?
Saving some pasta cooking water and adding a splash when tossing the ingredients helps create a light, cohesive sauce that prevents dryness.
- → When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Grated Parmesan is best stirred in after combining the pasta with the bacon and vegetables to melt lightly into the dish, adding richness and depth.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the savory and earthy flavors of bacon and mushrooms, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
