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+ servings
Maya

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette: A Flavorful Delight!

A flavorful pasta dish featuring orecchiette, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli, enhanced with garlic and red pepper flakes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
  • 4 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
  3. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and add the drained orecchiette.
  6. Pour in the reserved pasta water, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

  • For a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream when combining the pasta and broccoli.
  • To customize, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or substitute the broccoli with spinach or asparagus for a different flavor.

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