Pin Recipe A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce.
This recipe was a lifesaver during a busy week. It came together quickly and impressed my family with how flavorful it was, even though it uses simple pantry staples.
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Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Vegetables: 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Vegetables: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Dairy: 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pantry: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Instructions
- Prepare 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.
- Cook 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:
- 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:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin Recipe This pasta became a staple Sunday meal in our home. It is always requested for family gatherings with everyone offering to help slice mushrooms or grate cheese.
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Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife, and cutting board are all you need to make this fuss-free meal.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat, milk, and pork. Always check product labels if using substitutes for gluten or dairy sensitivity.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 460, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 17 g.
Pin Recipe 
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy nights or sharing with friends. Enjoy the comfort and flavor packed into every bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute bacon with another meat?
Yes, smoked pancetta works well for a richer, smoky flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- → How do I make a vegetarian version?
Omit the bacon and increase mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fusilli is ideal as its twists hold the sauce and ingredients well, but other short pasta shapes can be used.
- → How can I avoid drying out the pasta when mixing?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add a splash when tossing to keep the dish moist and well-coated.
- → What wine pairs nicely with this meal?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the savory flavors and balances the dish.
