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Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette: Creamy Pasta Bliss in 25 Minutes

Enjoy a creamy and spicy pasta dish with Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette, ready in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Orecchiette or any short pasta shape
  • 2 cups Broccoli chopped into bite-sized florets
For the Sauce
  • 4 oz Bacon or pancetta/turkey bacon
  • 1 medium Brown Onion diced finely
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme or fresh thyme if available
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste or red pepper paste
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang Paste adjust to taste
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or soy cream/coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette
  1. Prepare Ingredients: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, prepare ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping broccoli.
  2. Cook Orecchiette and Broccoli: Add orecchiette to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than package instructions. Add broccoli in last 3 minutes.
  3. Cook Bacon and Aromatics: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then reduce heat and add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
  4. Create the Sauce: Stir in thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang, cooking for another minute. Then add heavy cream and let simmer.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reserve ½ cup cooking water, drain pasta and broccoli, and add to skillet. Toss with sauce, adding reserved water for consistency.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish hot, optionally garnish with black pepper or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 16gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Save a bit of cooking water to adjust the sauce's consistency. Ensure bacon is crispy for a delightful crunch.

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