Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Fusilli with Bacon recipe! Featuring tender fusilli pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, this dish is elevated with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A dash of chopped parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch, while the versatile sauce can be adjusted with a touch of reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy dinner idea is perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend treat. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal thatβs sure to impress.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the bacon to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Using the same skillet, finely mince or press the garlic cloves and sautΓ© them in the remaining bacon grease over low heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Fold in the crispy bacon pieces, saving a few for garnish if desired. Mix thoroughly to ensure the bacon is evenly distributed.
Serve the pasta warm, topped with the reserved bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Calories |
3347 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.0 g | 221% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.4 g | 387% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 448 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 6662 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 295.4 g | 107% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 136.7 g | 273% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 691 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1720 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.