Save A comforting, flavorful pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms in a savory sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a staple in our dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) fusilli pasta
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, finely sliced, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Sauces & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 50 ml (3 tbsp) dry white wine (optional), Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and bacon. Cook for 4 5 minutes until bacon is golden and crisp.
- Step 3:
- Add onions to the pan and sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened.
- Step 4:
- Stir in mushrooms and cook for another 5 6 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Step 5:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6:
- Deglaze with white wine (if using), stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it reduce for 1 2 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Add drained fusilli to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over medium heat for 2 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta.
- Step 8:
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
Substitute smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon for a lighter or meat-free version. Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or light-bodied red wine.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet or sauté pan, Colander, Wooden spoon
Nutritional Information
Calories 510, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 65 g, Protein 19 g
Save This recipe is quick and satisfying, perfect to impress any pasta lover.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the bacon with another ingredient?
Yes, smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon alternatives work well to adjust flavor or accommodate dietary preferences.
- → Is white wine necessary for this dish?
White wine is optional but adds a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce. You may omit or replace it with broth if preferred.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining and add it to the skillet to help the sauce cling and keep the pasta moist.
- → What type of mushrooms is best to use?
Cremini or button mushrooms provide a nice earthy flavor and texture that complements the other ingredients well.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
For best texture, cook and combine just before serving, but components like sautéed bacon and vegetables can be prepared in advance.