The sauce for this dish can be made a day or two ahead (keep the bacon separate) and refrigerated. Gently reheat as the pasta boils; add the bacon to the sauce during the last few minutes of heating.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

　　1 small onion, finely chopped

　　2 packages (10 ounces each) cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered

　　2 packages (10 ounces each) white mushrooms, trimmed and quartered

　　1/4 cup tomato paste

　　2 teaspoons dried thyme

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

　　2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

　　3/4 pound spaghetti

　　Shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

　　

Step 1

In a large 5-quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid (that will be used later), cook the bacon over medium heat, uncovered, stirring until crispy, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel to drain. Set aside.

　　

Step 2

Add the onion to the saucepan; stir until golden, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms; cover. Cook until the juices have evaporated, about 20 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and 2 cups water until combined; cover. Cook until the sauce has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the parsley and vinegar. Add the bacon, reserving some for garnish, if desired.

　　

Step 4

Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.

　　

Step 5

To serve, toss the pasta with the ragout. Garnish with the reserved bacon and shaved Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.