Go Back
–+ servings
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette for a Quick Weeknight Treat

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz orecchiette or any short pasta like shells or fusilli
  • 1 tbsp salt to taste
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups broccoli chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 oz bacon bits or pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste key ingredient for robust taste
  • 1 tbsp gochujang paste adjust to taste
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup heavy cream or soy/coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. While waiting for the water to boil, prep your ingredients: dice onion, mince garlic, and chop broccoli.
  3. Add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook, draining about three minutes before package instructions.
  4. Add chopped broccoli to the pot and boil together for about three minutes.
  5. In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add your bacon bits, cooking until crispy.
  6. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until onion is translucent.
  7. Stir in dried thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang; pour in heavy cream and simmer until thick.
  8. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving some pasta water, then add to the skillet.
  9. Season with black pepper and adjust salt as needed before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!