Spicy Bacon Broccoli Pasta

This spicy bacon broccoli orecchiette has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need something delicious on the table with minimal effort. The creamy sauce with a kick of gochujang transforms ordinary pasta into something truly craveable in just 20 minutes.

I first made this recipe when my friend unexpectedly stopped by for dinner and I had limited ingredients on hand. The combination was such a hit that it's now in my regular rotation whenever I need comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients

• Orecchiette pasta: Perfectly captures the creamy sauce in its little cup shape
• Broccoli: Adds nutrients and a nice textural contrast to the dish
• Bacon: Provides smoky richness and depth of flavor
• Brown onion: Forms the aromatic base that builds complexity
• Garlic cloves: Enhance the savory profile of the dish
• Dried thyme: Brings subtle herbal notes that complement the bacon
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated umami and slight acidity
• Gochujang paste: Delivers the signature heat and complexity
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious sauce that coats every bite
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For final seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Water:

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt should make the water taste like the sea to properly season the pasta from within.

Prep the Ingredients:

While waiting for the water to boil, prepare all your ingredients to ensure smooth cooking. Dice the onion into small uniform pieces, mince the garlic finely, and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets after removing the tough stem. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process much more enjoyable.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This undercooking is intentional as the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later. When the timer goes off, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water and continue cooking for exactly 3 more minutes until the broccoli is bright green but still has some bite.

Crisp the Bacon:

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the bacon bits and cook until they become nicely crispy and have released their flavorful fat into the pan. This creates the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

Build the Flavor Base:

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the crispy bacon, reducing the heat slightly. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This aromatic base will infuse the entire sauce with depth.

Create the Sauce:

Stir in the dried thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang paste, cooking for about 30 seconds to bloom their flavors. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then reduce the heat to low to prevent the cream from separating.

Combine and Finish:

When the pasta and broccoli are ready, drain them while reserving about half a cup of the starchy cooking water. Add the orecchiette and broccoli directly to the sauce along with a splash of the reserved cooking water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta perfectly.

Season and Serve:

Taste the finished dish and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Finish with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper right before serving. The pasta should be served immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

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You Must Know

Orecchiette means little ears in Italian referring to their unique shape. The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. This dish reheats beautifully making it excellent for meal prep.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can substitute orecchiette with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle for a similar texture and taste.

→ Is gochujang paste very spicy?

Gochujang has a mild to moderate heat with a rich, sweet, and savory flavor. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu, and add a bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, asparagus, or peas for extra color and crunch to this dish.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta as a direct substitute for the orecchiette.