Save A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce.
I first made this fusilli with bacon, onions, and mushrooms when we needed a quick but comforting dinner. It quickly became a family favorite thanks to its rich flavors and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Fusilli: 350 g (12 oz)
- 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 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.
- Prepare 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 ingredients:
- 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 and serve:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This recipe brings back memories of busy weeknights when everyone gathered around the table, eager for something warm and filling. Its versatility means there's always something for everyone to enjoy.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra mushrooms or sautéed zucchini. Smoked pancetta can be swapped for bacon to deepen the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Fusilli with bacon, onions, and mushrooms pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Add a side salad to round out the meal.
Nutrition
Each serving has approximately 460 calories, 18 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 17 g protein. These values are estimates and may vary with modifications.
Save Make this hearty pasta whenever you need comfort with minimal fuss. It's sure to become a staple for relaxed family dinners.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the bacon from becoming soggy?
Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat before adding to the pasta.
- → Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, short or spiral-shaped pasta like penne or rotini work well to hold the sauce and ingredients.
- → What is the best way to sauté the mushrooms?
Cook mushrooms over medium heat until browned and tender, allowing moisture to evaporate for best texture and flavor.
- → How can I make the dish more flavorful?
Adding fresh garlic, finishing with grated Parmesan, and seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the overall taste.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon here?
Omitting bacon and increasing mushrooms or adding sautéed zucchini provides a tasty meat-free option.