Save to Pinterest A hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring al dente fusilli tossed with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms in a light, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This recipe has become a family favorite especially on busy evenings when I need something satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli pasta
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon diced
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms sliced 2 cloves garlic minced 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Dairy (optional): 40 g (1/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli according to package instructions until al dentel Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy about 4 5 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet add onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until golden and most of the moisture evaporates about 5 6 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Return bacon to the skillet then add drained fusilli and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together for 1 2 minutes until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings everyone together at the table sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Colander Wooden spoon Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if using Parmesan) Contains pork (bacon) Check all labels for cross contamination if you have severe allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 480 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 59 g Protein 19 g
Save to Pinterest This simple yet delicious recipe makes weeknight dinners something to look forward to enjoyed by all ages.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly crispy bacon?
Cook diced bacon in a hot skillet without crowding until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → Can I substitute the fusilli with another pasta shape?
Yes, penne or farfalle can be used as alternatives without altering the dish’s texture and flavor balance.
- → What is the best way to cook the mushrooms?
Sauté mushrooms over medium heat until golden and most moisture evaporates, enhancing their earthy taste and texture.
- → How does the reserved pasta water affect the sauce?
Adding pasta water helps marry the ingredients by loosening the sauce slightly and adding natural starch for a silky finish.
- → Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a nutty richness but can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative based on preference.