Bacon isn’t just for breakfast! This creamy bacon and broccoli pasta dish is perfect for midweek meals, whether you’re enjoying a dinner or lunch. It’s a delicious and easy recipe, ideal for pasta lovers seeking quick meal ideas!
Creamy bacon and broccoli pasta
Ingredients
- ½ head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 300 grams Spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Olive oil to coat.
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 rashers streaky bacon, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 150ml-200ml cream
- Parmesan
- To serve
- Shaved Parmesan
- Chopped parsely
Instructions
BRING a large pot of water to boil. Season heavily with salt. Once boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli using a slotted spoon and set aside in some ice cold water.Once cooled down , drain and set aside.
TOP up the water and bring to the boil. Add the pasta to the same water and cook for 10 -12 minutes. Once cooked, drain, reserving some of the cooking water. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
HEAT a pan over medium heat. Add the butter and oil. Once melted, cook off the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside. Discard some of the fat from the bacon. Add onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add in the garlic ( or garlic powder), onion powder, paprika and chilli flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
ADD the cream cheese and cream and stir well until melted and well combined.
ADD the cooked broccoli and half of the bacon and stir to combine.
ADD some pasta water and stir in pasta until evenly coated.
ADD Parmesan (If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water.)
SERVE topping with the remaining bacon, Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
ALSO SEE: Buffalo chicken tacos
