Bacon Broccoli Parmesan Pasta (Printable)

Savory bacon meets fresh broccoli in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta

→ Meats

02 - 5 oz bacon, diced

→ Vegetables

03 - 10 oz broccoli florets

→ Dairy

04 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Pantry & Seasoning

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, cut broccoli into small florets. Add to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain together with the pasta.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
04 - Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
06 - Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • This comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like something you simmered all afternoon
  • The combination of crispy bacon and tender broccoli creates the most satisfying texture contrast
  • That creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every curve of the pasta
02 -
  • The pasta water is crucial for achieving that restaurant quality glossy sauce
  • Adding the broccoli to the pasta water saves you an extra pot and keeps everything perfectly synchronized
  • Always grate your Parmesan fresh because the anti caking agents in pre shredded cheese prevent proper melting
03 -
  • Cook your bacon a bit longer than you think is necessary since it will soften slightly when tossed with the cream
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add the pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency

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