Fusilli with Bacon Onions Mushrooms

A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce.

I first made this fusilli dish on a busy evening when I needed something quick and satisfying. The combination of crispy bacon and fresh vegetables was a hit with everyone at my table.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
• Meats: 150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
• Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Dairy: 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook Fusilli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Crisp Bacon:

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.

Sauté Vegetables:

Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic:

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine Pasta and Bacon:

Return bacon to the skillet. Add drained fusilli and toss well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Finish & Serve:

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Pin this

This recipe always reminds me of lively family dinners when everyone gathered together, and even picky eaters asked for seconds.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Pasta contains wheat, Parmesan contains milk, and bacon contains pork. Always check packaging for potential cross-contamination if using substitutions.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories, 460; Total Fat, 18 g; Carbohydrates, 56 g; Protein, 17 g

Pin this

Enjoy your fusilli fresh and hot for the best flavor and texture. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan at the table if you like.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?

Yes, smoked pancetta works well and adds a richer flavor. Use the same amount and cook until crispy.

→ How do I keep the fusilli from drying out?

Reserve some pasta water before draining and add a splash when tossing to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the bacon and increase mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini to maintain satisfying textures and flavors.

→ What cheese pairs best with this dish?

Grated Parmesan adds a salty, creamy finish. Aged Parmesan or Pecorino Romano also complements this dish well.

→ What cooking tools are recommended?

A large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for sautéing ingredients, and a slotted spoon to handle bacon are essential.