Creamy Bacon & Basil Pesto Fusilli
with Tossed Salad & Shaved Parmesan
- Gluten
- Wheat
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- May contain traces of allergens
- Milk
The only way to improve the age-old family favourite, pesto pasta, is to add some crispy bacon and sharp Parmesan. With oh-so-many textures and well-loved flavours, this dish is sure to please the whole table!
Ingredients
1
cucumber
1
carrot
3 clove
garlic
1 packet
fusilli
(Contains: Gluten, Wheat May be present: Eggs, Soy)
1 packet
diced bacon
(May be present: Soy, Milk)
1 packet
light cooking cream
(Contains: Milk)
1 sachet
garlic & herb seasoning
1 packet
basil pesto
(Contains: Milk)
1 bag
mixed salad leaves
1 packet
Parmesan cheese
(Contains: Milk)
Not included in your delivery
olive oil
20 g
butter
(Contains: Milk)
1 tsp
balsamic vinegar
Utensils
Cooking Steps
• Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to the boil. • Thinly slice cucumber into rounds. Finely chop garlic. Grate carrot.
• Cook fusilli in the boiling water until 'al dente', 12 minutes. • Reserve some pasta water (1/4 cup for 2 people / 1/2 cup for 4 people), then drain and return pasta to the saucepan. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and cover to keep warm.
TIP: 'Al dente' pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm in the centre.
Little cooks: Older kids can help add the pasta to the saucepan under adult supervision. Be careful, the water is boiling!
• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook diced bacon, breaking it up with a spoon, until golden, 4-5 minutes. • Add garlic and the butter and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. • Add light cooking cream, garlic & herb seasoning and reserved pasta water. Season with pepper and cook until slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat, then stir through basil pesto and cooked pasta. Season to taste and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil. Season, then add mixed salad leaves, cucumber and carrot. Toss to coat.
Little cooks: Take the lead by tossing the salad!
• Divide creamy bacon and pesto fusilli between bowls. • Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese. • Serve with salad. Enjoy!
Little cooks: Kids can add the finishing touch by sprinkling the cheese on top.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on July 2026- Flavour: The creamy bacon and pesto sauce was a hit with most, though a small number found the seasoning too salty or the pesto flavour too mild.
- Ease of prep: This dish is quick and straightforward, with several reviewers noting even teenagers and young kids could help out with ease.
- Suggestions: Adding pine nuts, extra bacon, chicken, or vegetables like zucchini are popular ways customers boosted the dish. Some found the balsamic salad dressing did not complement the pasta meal well and suggested a different dressing.
- Portions: Most found the dish satisfying and filling, especially when served alongside the salad.
