Fusilli with Bacon Onions

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.

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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.

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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.