Pin it A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal with little effort.
I first made this fusilli with bacon, onions, and mushrooms on a chilly evening when I wanted something both simple and satisfying. The aroma of bacon sizzling and mushrooms browning instantly filled the kitchen and made everyone eager for dinner. It's now a favorite go-to meal for my family.
Ingredients
- Fusilli: 350 g (12 oz), cooked al dente
- 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)
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/4 cup), grated, plus extra for serving
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- 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.
- Crisp 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 the fat in the pan.
- Sauté onion and mushrooms:
- 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 and finish:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin it This simple pasta quickly became a dinner favorite in my home, especially on nights when we gather to share stories over comforting bowls of fusilli. Its hearty flavors always seem to bring everyone together around the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Double-check ingredient labels for gluten and dairy if using substitutes. Recipe contains wheat, milk, and pork.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 460 calories, 18 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 17 g protein.
Pin it Share this fusilli dish with loved ones for a cozy meal that brings everyone together. The savory blend of bacon, mushrooms, and Parmesan is sure to be a winner any night.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute bacon with another ingredient?
Yes, smoked pancetta or a plant-based alternative can replace bacon for different flavors or dietary preferences.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Cook fusilli in plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally to keep it from clumping.
- → What can I use if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino or Asiago cheeses work well as alternatives, offering a similar salty, nutty taste.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and increase the mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for a flavorful vegetarian version.
- → How do I enhance the mushroom flavor?
Sauté mushrooms until golden brown to deepen flavor, and use fresh varieties for best results.