Pin It A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms, all tossed with perfectly cooked fusilli. Ready in just 30 minutes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
I enjoy making this dish when I want something comforting yet simple to prepare after a busy day.
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)
- Sauces & Dairy: 100 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream (optional, for a creamy finish); 40 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Oils & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 4 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
- Step 3:
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden and any moisture has evaporated.
- Step 5:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 6:
- Optional Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 7:
- Add the drained fusilli to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 8:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a light salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio for a complete meal.
Variations
Try substituting pancetta for bacon or adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve flavors.
Pin It This dish is a quick and flavorful option that never fails to impress.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the dish creamier without heavy cream?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, which helps create a light, creamy coating without heavy cream.
- → Can I substitute bacon with another meat?
Pancetta works well as an alternative, bringing a similar smoky flavor with a delicate texture.
- → What type of mushrooms work best here?
Cremini or white mushrooms are ideal, offering an earthy taste and pleasant texture after sautéing.
- → Is it important to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency, binding flavors and preventing dryness.
- → What wine pairs nicely with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio complements the smoky and savory notes, balancing richness with acidity.