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.
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
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.
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.