Save A comforting pasta dish featuring tender fusilli tossed with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms in a light, savory sauce—ready in just 30 minutes.
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite thanks to its balance of textures and flavors. The caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness that complements the salty, crispy bacon perfectly.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Dairy: 40 g (1.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving), 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pantry: 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 the fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 3:
- Add the onions to the skillet and sauté for 4 5 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Step 4:
- Add the mushrooms and cook for another 6 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6:
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Add the drained fusilli, butter, and half of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Step 7:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Save We often gather around the table to enjoy this dish, sharing stories and laughing over a delicious and hearty meal that feels like home.
Notes
Pairs well with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine for a perfect meal experience.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, chefs knife, cutting board, colander
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 510, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 20 g
Save This dish is a perfect blend of savory and comforting flavors that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative. It will still provide a smoky flavor while reducing fat content.
- → What type of mushrooms work best in this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal as they cook down nicely and add an earthy depth without overpowering other flavors.
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
Using reserved pasta water mixed with butter creates a light sauce. Avoid heavy creams to maintain a delicate consistency.
- → Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?
Caramelizing onions adds sweetness and depth, but lightly sautéing until soft also works if time is limited.
- → Can this dish be paired with wine?
Yes, it pairs well with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red, complementing the savory and smoky flavors.