Mushroom, Bacon and Fennel Pasta

Mushroom, Bacon and Fennel Pasta is one of my favourites recipes. The bacon, mushroom and pasta go so well together but add fennel and so amazing. Served as a main dish throughout the year. It is very popular young and old. Also, the cost of making it is very reasonable. I love to use fettuccine but fusilli, conchiglie, spaghetti are all as tasty.

Mushroom, bacon, and fennel pasta is a delightful dish that combines earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavours in a harmonious symphony. This dish is perfect for those seeking a quick yet sophisticated meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. The unique blend of ingredients offers a satisfying, aromatic experience that will please both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts.

The magic of this pasta dish lies in its well-balanced combination of ingredients. Mushrooms bring an earthy richness, while bacon adds a smoky, salty punch. Fennel, with its mild, anise-like flavour, introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the other components beautifully. Together, these elements create a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine, making it perfect for a relaxed yet elegant dinner.

Alternatively, To complement the rich and complex flavours of mushroom, bacon, and fennel pasta, consider serving these delightful side dishes and beverages:

Salads

1. Arugula and Parmesan Salad:
A fresh arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, tangy contrast to the rich pasta.

2. Spinach and Berry Salad:
Mix fresh spinach leaves with a variety of berries (strawberries, blueberries), nuts (walnuts or almonds), and goat cheese, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. This salad adds a sweet and tangy element to the meal.

Vegetables

3. Roasted Asparagus:
Simply roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The slight char and tender-crisp texture make an excellent pairing with the creamy pasta.

4. Garlic Green Beans:
Sauté green beans with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. The fresh, garlicky beans provide a nice, crisp bite that balances the richness of the main dish.

Bread

5. Garlic Bread:
Classic garlic bread made with a French baguette, butter, garlic, and parsley is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the pasta.

6. Focaccia:
Herbed focaccia bread, with its fluffy interior and crispy exterior, is a great choice to complement the pasta’s flavours.

Beverages

7. White Wine:
A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with this dish. The acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the sauce and complements the smoky bacon and earthy mushrooms.

8. Sparkling Water with Lemon:
For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime. It refreshes the palate and enhances the dining experience.

Desserts

9. Tiramisu:
Finish the meal with a light and creamy dessert like tiramisu. Its coffee and cocoa flavours are a nice contrast to the savoury pasta.

10. Lemon Sorbet:
A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and provides a zesty end to the meal.

These side dishes and beverages enhance the mushroom, bacon, and fennel pasta, offering a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Whether you prefer a simple salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or a crisp glass of wine, these accompaniments will elevate your meal to a memorable occasion.

This amazingly simple recipe is a deliciously unique dish that offers a blend of rich, smoky, and sweet flavours. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

Mushroom, Bacon and Fennel Pasta

Lovely dish that fills even the hungriest of stomachs

4.82 from 150 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Bacon, Cheddar, Cheese, Chillies, Mushroom, Bacon and Fennel Pasta, Parmesan, Pasta, Sauce, Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 399kcal

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Ingredients

 

• 350 g pasta fettuccine, fusilli etc
• 280 g mushrooms wipe clean/slice
• 300 g streaky bacon diced
• 2 bulbs fennel wiped clean/finely sliced
• 4 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 medium red chillies deseed/finely sliced
• 2 large onions peeled/finely sliced
• 4 cloves garlic peeled/crushed
• cheese grated, to serve

Instructions

• Place a large pot of water on a high heat. Add a good pinch of salt and bring to the boil. When boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions.
  350 g pasta
• Place a frying pan over a medium high heat and add the streaky bacon to render the fat. Fry for about 5 minutes until the bacon is cooked but soft and the fat is in the pan.
  300 g streaky bacon
• Remove the bacon from the bacon and put to one side for now.
• Add the fennel to the bacon fat together with the chopped onion and fry for about 15 minutes until soft.
  2 bulbs fennel, 2 large onions
• Add the garlic and chill and cook for a further minute or so. You don’t want the garlic to burn.
  4 cloves garlic, 2 medium red chillies
• Add the puree and fry for another five minutes.
  4 tbsp tomato purée
• Once the water has boiled, add the pasta and cook according to the packs instructions.
• Finally add the mushrooms to the frying pan, stir and put the lid on until the mushrooms have softened. Should be 5 – 8 minutes.
  280 g mushrooms
• Once the pasta is cooked, place a mug into the sink, sieve above it and drain the water. The starchy water is superb should the sauce need thinning.
• Once drained, add the pasta to the sauce and stir well to cover the pasta.
• Serve immediately with a sprinkling of cheese.
  cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 925mg | Potassium: 897mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg