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Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette: An Easy 20-Minute Wonder

This Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is a quick, delicious meal combining crispy bacon, vibrant broccoli, and a unique gochujang kick.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Orecchiette Substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli
  • 1 tbsp Salt Adjust to taste
For the Vegetable Mix
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets Substitute with zucchini or green beans if necessary
  • 1 Onion Diced; can use freshly diced shallots as a substitute
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh is recommended for maximum impact
For the Sauce
  • 6 oz Bacon Substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Substitute with Italian seasoning if unavailable
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Can be replaced with crushed tomatoes for a fresher taste
  • 1 tbsp Gochujang Paste Adjust quantity based on heat tolerance; substitute with sriracha if needed
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a dairy-free option, try soy cream or unsweetened coconut cream
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Substitute with white pepper for a more subtle taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Dice onion, mince garlic, and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  2. Once boiling, add orecchiette and cook for 3 minutes less than package instructions. Add broccoli and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add diced bacon, and cook until crispy and golden-brown (about 5-7 minutes). Toss in onion and garlic, sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in dried thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang, mixing thoroughly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add heavy cream and let simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
  5. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of cooking water. Add to skillet with sauce, toss together, adding reserved water as needed for sauce consistency.
  6. Season with salt to taste, finish with black pepper, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 18gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream as needed.

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