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 recipe when I wanted something filling but easy using ingredients already in my fridge. The combination of bacon, onions, and mushrooms created a comforting dish that my family requests often.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Dairy: 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the 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.
- Crisp the 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 onions and mushrooms:
- 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 everything:
- 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 fusilli dish was a hit at our last Sunday dinner with everyone going back for seconds. It's become a go-to favorite when we want something both comforting and simple.
Recipe Variations
For a vegetarian option omit the bacon and double the mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio and a side of fresh salad.
Nutrition & Using Substitutes
Each serving offers about 460 calories 18 g fat 56 g carbs and 17 g protein. You can try gluten-free pasta or vegetarian cheese for dietary needs.
Save This pasta is sure to satisfy on busy nights and is perfect for sharing. Enjoy the savory flavors and make it your own with your favorite mix-ins.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, smoked pancetta works well, adding a richer, slightly different smoky flavor.
- → How do I keep the sauce from being too dry?
Reserve some pasta water to add when mixing; its starchiness helps create a light, cohesive sauce.
- → What’s the best way to sauté the mushrooms?
Cook mushrooms over medium heat until browned and tender, allowing their moisture to evaporate for concentrated taste.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Omit bacon and increase mushrooms or add other sautéed vegetables like zucchini for a meat-free version.
- → How should I season the dish?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; finishing with Parmesan and fresh parsley enhances flavor complexity.