Save A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal in just 30 minutes.
I first served this fusilli with bacon to my family on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a favorite for its comforting taste and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g fusilli pasta
- Meats: 150 g smoked bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced 250 g cremini or button mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Dairy: 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving) 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 the pasta.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp, about 4&5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 3:
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for 3&4 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5&6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Add the drained fusilli, butter, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Save Sharing this meal together always brings warmth and smiles to our kitchen table.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, use pancetta instead of bacon. Swap cremini mushrooms for wild mushrooms for a richer taste.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Slotted spoon, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), Milk (Parmesan, butter), Pork (bacon). Check cheese packaging for potential animal rennet if vegetarian is required.
Save This fusilli dish is perfect for any weeknight requiring a quick yet satisfying meal.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, pancetta offers a smokier, richer flavor that complements the pasta beautifully.
- → What type of mushrooms work best here?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal, but wild mushrooms can add extra depth and earthiness.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce without cream?
Reserved pasta water mixed with butter and Parmesan cheese creates a silky, smooth sauce.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and increase mushrooms or add sun-dried tomatoes for rich, savory notes.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light red wine beautifully complements the flavors and richness.