Pin It A comforting, savory pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms tossed with al dente fusilli. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
This recipe quickly became a staple in my household because it combines simple ingredients into a delicious and fulfilling meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Dairy (optional): 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Pantry & Seasoning: 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 fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 45 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 3:
- Add olive oil to the bacon fat if needed. Add onions and sauté for 34 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 4:
- Add mushrooms and cook for another 56 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned.
- Step 5:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6:
- Return the bacon to the pan. Add cooked fusilli and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and half of the Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and remaining Parmesan.
Pin It This dish always brings my family together as we share stories and enjoy the warm comforting flavors.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio for an enhanced dining experience.
Variations
Substitute fusilli with penne rigatoni or another short pasta if desired. You can also add some sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 475 calories, 17 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein.
Pin It This fusilli dish is the perfect weeknight dinner solution packed with flavor and family-friendly appeal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the fusilli with other pasta types?
Yes, short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well, maintaining similar texture and sauce adherence.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and add extra mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance savoriness and texture.
- → What is the best way to caramelize the onions?
Cook sliced onions over medium heat with a bit of olive oil, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- → Why reserve some pasta cooking water?
Reserved pasta water helps bind ingredients and adjust the dish's consistency by adding moisture and starch.
- → Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, Parmesan adds richness but the dish remains flavorful without it, especially with the bacon and mushroom combination.