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–+ servings
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette for Flavor-Packed Comfort

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is a creamy pasta dish that combines crispy bacon and vibrant broccoli, creating a meal that's quick, hearty, and comforting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Orecchiette or any short pasta like penne or fusilli
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets fresh or frozen
For the Sauce
  • 6 oz Bacon or pancetta, turkey bacon for lighter option
  • 1 medium Brown Onion or shallots, white onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves fresh or pre-minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme or oregano
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste or crushed tomatoes for chunkier sauce
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang Paste or sriracha for spice adjustment
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or soy, coconut cream for dairy-free option
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground for best flavor

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  2. Cook orecchiette in boiling water for 3 minutes less than package instructions. Add broccoli and cook for additional 3 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in the skillet for about 2 minutes until translucent.
  5. Stir in thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Drain pasta/broccoli, reserving cooking water. Add to skillet, mix gently to coat with sauce.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper, serve immediately, garnishing with additional pepper if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Adjust spice level with gochujang. Reserve pasta water to maintain sauce consistency when tossing together.

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