I have to tell you, making this bacon broccoli pasta Recipe was such a delight! I’ve tried my fair share of pasta dishes, but the combination of crisp bacon, tender broccoli, and creamy sauce blew me away. It’s one of those recipes I make when I want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

I love how versatile it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste. After trying it, I couldn’t wait to share it with family and friends. If you enjoy roasted vegetable dishes, you might also like the sausage-stuffed butternut squash with spinach, pecans, and cranberries recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy, flavorful bacon broccoli pasta Recipe . I like to emphasize fresh ingredients whenever possible—they really make a difference in taste. You can also try this flavor profile in a comforting butternut squash casserole recipe for a cozy side dish.

12 ounces of pasta (I prefer penne or fusilli for this dish—they hold the sauce beautifully)
6 slices of thick-cut bacon (for the crispest texture, I cook it slowly)
2 cups of fresh broccoli florets (avoid frozen if possible, as fresh broccoli cooks evenly and tastes sweeter)
2 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin adds depth to the flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic gives a bright punch compared to pre-minced)
1 cup heavy cream (for a rich and velvety sauce; half-and-half works if you want it lighter)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (always grate fresh for the best flavor)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Note: Serves 4–5

Variations

This bacon broccoli pasta is easy to customize:

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
To make it lower in calories, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Add extra flavor by tossing in sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
For a protein boost, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long you’ll need:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Cooking this dish doesn’t require anything fancy:

Large pot: for boiling pasta
Skillet or frying pan: for cooking bacon and sautéing broccoli
Colander: to drain pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula: for stirring
Cheese grater: for fresh Parmesan

How to Make Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide that will help you whip up this dish with ease.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. I always taste a piece before draining to make sure it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. I like to remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan—it adds incredible flavor to the broccoli and sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic

Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat and sauté the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. I like to mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Let it simmer until thickened slightly, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything gently so the sauce coats the pasta evenly. I always taste at this stage and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. I like adding a touch of black pepper or fresh parsley for color. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some personal tricks I discovered while making this dish:

I like to cook the bacon slowly to get it evenly crispy without burning.
Reserving pasta water is crucial—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Don’t overcook broccoli; it should remain slightly crisp for texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference in flavor.
If you want a richer flavor, I sometimes sauté a small onion with the garlic.

How to Serve Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Presentation can make a simple dish feel fancy:

Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the pasta and broccoli.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a pop of color.
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds visual appeal.
Pair with garlic bread or a light salad to round out the meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an idea of what you’re getting per serving:

Calories: approximately 450–500
Protein: 20g (from bacon, cheese, and pasta)
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 22g (mostly from bacon and cream)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the sauce and pasta if I plan to reheat later—it keeps the texture from getting mushy.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if needed. I recommend freezing in portions, and when thawing, do it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. I find it reheats better on the stovetop rather than in the microwave to maintain creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bacon broccoli pasta has so many things going for it:

It’s quick and easy: I can make it in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Comfort food with a healthy twist: the broccoli adds freshness without compromising flavor.
Versatile: you can swap ingredients for dietary needs or flavor variations.
Crowd-pleaser: everyone I’ve served it to keeps asking for seconds.
Creamy and flavorful: bacon and Parmesan create a rich, indulgent taste without being heavy.

Ash Tyrrell