Save A hearty, flavor-packed pasta dish featuring smoky bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms, tossed with al dente fusilli for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
This Fusilli with Bacon, Onions, and Mushrooms has become a family favorite that I love making when I need something hearty yet simple. It reminds me of cozy dinners filled with laughter and full plates.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli pasta
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Dairy: 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dent
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp and golden about 4 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in skillet.
- Step 3:
- Add onions to the skillet and sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned.
- Step 4:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to low. Return bacon to the skillet, then add the drained fusilli, butter, and half the Parmesan. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining Parmesan and extra parsley.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table where we share stories and enjoy every bite of this comforting meal.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, chef's knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), milk (Parmesan, butter), and pork (bacon). Check labels for gluten-free pasta and dairy alternatives if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 22 g per serving
Save This fusilli pasta recipe is both easy and impressive, perfect for sharing any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the bacon with another ingredient?
Yes, pancetta works well as a substitute, providing a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or smoked paprika for depth.
- → How do I ensure the fusilli is cooked perfectly?
Cook the fusilli in boiling salted water according to the package until al dente. Reserving some pasta water helps create a smooth sauce when mixed with other ingredients.
- → What’s the best way to sauté the mushrooms and onions?
Start by softening the onions in olive oil over medium heat, then add mushrooms, cooking until tender and lightly browned to develop their natural flavors.
- → Can I add extra ingredients for more flavor?
A splash of white wine after sautéing mushrooms adds depth. Fresh parsley added at the end brightens the dish, while Parmesan cheese delivers a rich finish.
- → Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Absolutely. With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, it combines simple steps and familiar ingredients for a fast, satisfying dinner.