Bacon Broccoli and Parmesan Pasta (Printable Version)
Crispy bacon and fresh broccoli tossed with pasta in a silky Parmesan cream sauce
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
→ Meats
02 - 5 oz bacon, diced
→ Vegetables
03 - 10 oz broccoli florets
→ Dairy
04 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Pantry & Seasoning
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Cut broccoli into small florets. Add to pasta water during final 3 minutes of cooking. Drain together with pasta.
03 - Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
04 - Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to skillet. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add drained pasta and broccoli to skillet. Pour in cream and half the Parmesan. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for silky consistency.
06 - Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining Parmesan.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Crispy bacon brings a smoky depth that makes even vegetable skeptics ask for seconds
- The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something that feels special
02 -
- That reserved pasta water is absolutely crucial for transforming broken cream into a cohesive sauce that actually sticks to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl
- Adding cold cream to a hot pan can cause it to break, so let the pasta and broccoli sit in the skillet for about 30 seconds off the heat before pouring it in
03 -
- Cut your broccoli into uniform small pieces so everything cooks evenly in those three minutes
- Grate your parmesan fresh from a block because pre grated cheese has anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly