Pin it A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet onions, and savory mushrooms, all tossed with perfectly cooked fusilli for a quick and satisfying meal.
This recipe has been a family favorite for its ease and delicious taste, bringing warmth to the table every time.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli pasta
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, finely sliced, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Dairy: 50 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (optional), 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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 the fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 3:
- Add the onions to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add mushrooms and cook for another 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Return the bacon to the skillet. Add the drained fusilli and toss everything together. Add butter, half the parsley, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Stir until the pasta is glossy and well coated; add more pasta water if needed.
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and toss with Parmesan cheese, if using.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and more Parmesan.
Pin it This dish has created many joyful family moments around the dinner table, especially on busy weeknights.
Notes
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce if desired.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Slotted spoon, Knife and cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and pork. May contain egg if using fresh pasta. Always check labels if sensitive to allergens.
Pin it This fusilli recipe is a perfect blend of ease and flavor, ideal for any pasta lover looking for a quick meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the bacon with another meat?
Yes, pancetta works beautifully for a more traditional Italian flavor, and prosciutto can add a delicate touch when crisped.
- → What type of mushrooms are best for this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms provide a mild, earthy taste and a pleasant texture that complements the other ingredients well.
- → How do I achieve a glossy sauce with fusilli?
Adding reserved pasta water and butter while tossing the pasta helps emulsify the fats and starches, resulting in a shiny, light sauce.
- → Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a nutty richness that enhances flavor, but the dish remains delicious without it, especially for dairy-free preferences.
- → What wine pairs well with this fusilli dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the smoky and savory notes, balancing the richness perfectly.