Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

This Bacon Broccoli Pasta combines savory, smoky bacon with fresh broccoli, pasta, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. This quick recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and creamy sauce makes each bite irresistible, turning a simple pasta dish into a memorable meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, blanch the broccoli by adding it to the boiling pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green. Remove the broccoli from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. (If there’s too much fat, pour some out.)

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
2. Add Cream and Butter: Pour in the heavy cream and add the butter, stirring to combine. Allow the cream to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
3. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy, smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Add Bacon: Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving a few pieces for garnish if you like.
3. Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, bacon pieces, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Bacon Broccoli Pasta

• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets retain the best texture and color for this dish. Avoid frozen broccoli, as it may turn mushy.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up well with the creamy sauce and bacon, giving the dish a perfect texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds color and flavor, making a lovely finishing touch.

Recipe Variations

• Add Protein: Sautéed chicken or shrimp can make this pasta even heartier.
• Make It Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesier, richer sauce.
• Try a Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Bacon Broccoli Pasta recipe offers a comforting, creamy pasta dish with the satisfying crunch of bacon and the freshness of broccoli. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s a simple, delicious recipe that will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy this easy, flavor-packed meal and let it bring comfort and joy to your table!

Yield: 4-6

Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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This Bacon Broccoli Pasta combines savory, smoky bacon with fresh broccoli, pasta, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. This quick recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and creamy sauce makes each bite irresistible, turning a simple pasta dish into a memorable meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini work well)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
   
3. Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic:
   Add the olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
   
5. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
   
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
   Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Make It Cheesy: Add extra Parmesan or sprinkle with mozzarella for a cheesier dish.
• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.