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 for a casual family dinner when we wanted something comforting but fast. The savory aroma of bacon and mushrooms cooking together always reminds me of laughter around the table.
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
- Boil 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.
- Cook 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 the 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 & Toss:
- 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 & 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 pasta often brings everyone together—kids scoop up seconds and adults savor the crispy bacon pieces. It is one of our family's cold-weather comfort classics.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the smoky, earthy flavors.
Ingredient Variations
For vegetarian guests, replace bacon with extra mushrooms or sautéed zucchini. Smoked pancetta works beautifully for a richer taste.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This dish contains wheat (pasta), milk (Parmesan), and pork (bacon). One serving delivers about 460 calories, 18 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 17 g protein.
Save This simple fusilli dinner turns humble ingredients into something special. Enjoy any night you crave warm, hearty comfort food.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fusilli pasta is ideal due to its twisted shape, which holds the sauce and ingredients well.
- → Can I substitute the bacon with another meat?
Yes, smoked pancetta offers a richer flavor while keeping the dish savory and delicious.
- → How should I cook the mushrooms to enhance their flavor?
Sauté mushrooms until browned and tender to bring out their earthiness, usually about 5 minutes.
- → Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and add extra mushrooms or sautéed zucchini for a flavorful meatless version.
- → What cheese complements this fusilli dish?
Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness and melts smoothly into the pasta mix.