Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well, holding the sauce and ingredients equally nicely.

How do I make the sauce creamier without cream?

Reserve extra pasta water to toss with Parmesan and olive oil for a naturally creamy finish without added cream.

Pancetta or turkey bacon are excellent alternatives that maintain a similar smoky flavor profile.

Sauté mushrooms until their moisture evaporates and they begin to brown, concentrating their earthy taste.

Sauté sliced onions on medium heat until softened and translucent, usually about 3 minutes, avoiding overcooking.

A comforting pasta dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet onions, and earthy mushrooms in a savory sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

I often prepare this fusilli recipe on busy weeknights because it comes together fast yet feels indulgent and satisfying for the whole family.

Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli pasta
Meats: 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon, diced
Vegetables: 1 large onion, thinly sliced 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Dairy: 50 ml (3 tbsp) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce) 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step 1:: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2:: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 45 minutes until crispy.
Step 3:: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Step 4:: Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 56 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Step 5:: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 6:: Reduce heat to low. If using, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 7:: Add the drained fusilli to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Step 8:: Stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 9:: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, enjoying every bite and sharing stories from the day.

Large pot Large skillet Strainer Chefs knife Wooden spoon

Contains gluten (pasta), dairy (Parmesan, cream), and pork (bacon) Double-check labels for gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes if needed

Calories: 510 Total Fat: 23 g Carbohydrates: 54 g Protein: 20 g

This fusilli dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the comforting flavors with your loved ones.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes, short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well, holding the sauce and ingredients equally nicely.
→ How do I make the sauce creamier without cream?: Reserve extra pasta water to toss with Parmesan and olive oil for a naturally creamy finish without added cream.
→ Can I substitute the bacon?: Pancetta or turkey bacon are excellent alternatives that maintain a similar smoky flavor profile.
→ What cooking techniques enhance the mushrooms’ flavor?: Sauté mushrooms until their moisture evaporates and they begin to brown, concentrating their earthy taste.
→ How to keep the onions tender but not mushy?: Sauté sliced onions on medium heat until softened and translucent, usually about 3 minutes, avoiding overcooking.