After a long day, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of pasta to lift my spirits. That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette, a quick and delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Imagine the sizzle of crispy bacon blending with the earthy aroma of sautéed garlic and onion, all enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce that wraps around perfectly cooked orecchiette.
What makes this recipe shine is not just its bold flavors, but the fact that you can whip it up in just 20 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is in short supply. With vibrant broccoli lending both color and nutrition, this dish proves to be as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will keep you coming back for seconds!
Why is Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette a must-try?
Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon, hearty broccoli, and creamy gochujang-infused sauce offers an exciting taste adventure that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Ingredients: Have fun substituting orecchiette with your favorite pasta or adding in extra veggies for a personalized twist.
Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually a breeze to prepare.
Comforting Goodness: Each bite promises a warm, satisfying experience that turns a simple dinner into something special.
Pair it with a refreshing salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette Ingredients
• For the Pasta
- Orecchiette – The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy sauce; feel free to swap it with fusilli or penne if you prefer.
• For the Sauce
- Bacon – Adds a savory depth; you can use pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter flavor.
- Brown Onion – Enhances the base of the sauce but shallots are a milder alternative.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a bright aroma; garlic powder can suffice but fresh is highly recommended.
- Dried Thyme – Provides an earthy note; if you’re out, Italian seasoning makes a wonderful substitute.
- Tomato Paste – Deepens the flavor; in a pinch, fresh or canned diced tomatoes will work too.
- Gochujang Paste – Brings the heat and complexity; adjust according to your spice preference, or use sriracha instead.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; non-dairy options like soy or coconut cream are great for dairy-free diets.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds the finishing touch; consider white pepper for a milder flavor.
• For the Veggies
- Broccoli – Adds nutrition and color; substitute with asparagus or green beans if desired.
Enjoy creating this quick, satisfying dish, bursting with flavor from the Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette!
How to Make Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette
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Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook your orecchiette and broccoli perfectly.
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Chop Ingredients: Meanwhile, chop your onion, garlic, and broccoli. Getting these ready will streamline your cooking process and save you time later.
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Cook Pasta: Add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions. When the pasta is nearly done, toss in the broccoli and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
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Sauté Bacon: In a skillet over high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent (about 2 minutes).
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Create Sauce: Stir in the dried thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang paste. Pour in the heavy cream, bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and broccoli, saving ½ cup of cooking water. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to combine and adding reserved water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve your delightful dish immediately, savoring each comforting bite.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these fun twists!
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Pasta Shape Swap: Use any short pasta like rigatoni or bowtie for a different bite. Each shape brings its own unique texture, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
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Veggie Power: Increase the broccoli or toss in some spinach for a vibrant veggie boost. Adding greens not only enhances nutrition but also brightens the dish with fresh colors.
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Vegan Delight: Omit the bacon and cream for a plant-based version, or try using coconut cream and chickpea bacon. Even without the traditional ingredients, the flavor will still shine.
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Spice It Up: Add extra gochujang for more heat or toss in red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Adjusting the spice level allows you to cater to your taste buds.
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Nuts About Crunch: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It adds an unexpected twist that’s both delicious and satisfying.
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Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy note. This savory addition can elevate the dish to new flavor heights, tantalizing cheese lovers.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze in some lemon juice or add lemon zest for a refreshing brightness. The acidity complements the creaminess and enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a fragrant finishing touch. Herbs can bring a burst of freshness that brightens every bite.
Expert Tips for Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette
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Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency without making it too thick. This little trick is key in achieving the perfect creamy sauce.
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Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep the broccoli slightly crunchy for added texture in the dish. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, losing its vibrant color and nutrients.
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Gradual Spicing: Since everyone’s spice tolerance varies, add gochujang gradually while tasting to find your ideal level of heat with this Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette.
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Perfect Pasta Timing: When cooking orecchiette, follow package instructions but subtract 3 minutes. This allows for perfect al dente pasta that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
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Substitutions Are Key: Feel free to mix the ingredients up! Swap out bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon, or add colorful vegetables to enhance your version of this dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette are perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence! You can chop the onion, garlic, and broccoli up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can cook the pasta up to 3 days ahead and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, simply sauté the bacon, add the prepped ingredients, and follow the remaining steps to finish with the creamy sauce. Rest assured, your meal will still be just as delicious and comforting!
Storage Tips for Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce may thicken upon reheating.
Freezer: If you’d like to enjoy this dish later, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Fresh: While the Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is delicious as leftovers, it’s best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate creamy experience!
What to Serve with Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette?
Elevate your dinner experience by pairing this creamy, spicy delight with complementary sides that add flavor and texture.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, balances the rich sauce, bringing a refreshing crunch to your meal.
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Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery bread enticingly soaks up the leftover sauce, making each bite absolutely heavenly. Pairing this with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor.
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Roasted Asparagus: Tender and slightly charred asparagus adds an elegant touch, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta with its fresh, vibrant taste.
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Sautéed Spinach: The earthy greens add nutrition and a brilliant pop of color. Toss it with olive oil and garlic to echo the flavors of the dish.
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Moscato Wine: A fruity, slightly sparkling wine enhances the spice of the orecchiette while providing a sweet contrast that’s simply irresistible.
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Lemon Sorbet: Refreshing and light, this sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich pasta, making it a perfect light dessert option to finish off your meal.
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette Recipe FAQs
How can I choose the best broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for bright green florets that are tightly closed and firm to the touch. Avoid broccoli with yellowing petals or dark spots all over, as these indicate it’s past its prime. Fresh broccoli adds vibrancy and crunch, elevating your Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette.
What’s the best way to store leftovers from my Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it up. The sauce may thicken when reheated, so you might need a splash of water or cream when warming up on the stovetop.
Can I freeze Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette for later?
Yes, you can freeze it! Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend letting it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or milk to help revive the creamy texture.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If you find your sauce is thicker than desired when mixing with pasta, don’t worry! Just add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring well until you reach the desired consistency. This little tidbit is perfect for achieving that creamy embrace for your orecchiette.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can substitute heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like soy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. For gluten-free needs, using gluten-free pasta works wonderfully as well! Always check labels for allergens if you’re cooking for friends or family with specific allergies.
Is there a recommended way to spice adjust the gochujang?
Certainly! Start by adding a teaspoon of gochujang to your sauce and give it a taste. Continue adding in small increments, tasting after each addition, until you achieve the desired heat level. Everyone’s spice preference varies, so this method ensures you get the perfect kick in your Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette!
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette: Creamy Delight in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the orecchiette and broccoli.
- Chop Ingredients: Chop your onion, garlic, and broccoli to save time during cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions; then add the broccoli and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Sauté Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over high heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes), then add onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Stir in thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang, then add heavy cream and simmer before reducing heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of cooking water; mix pasta and broccoli into the sauce, using reserved water as needed.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper, serve immediately, optionally garnish with parsley or Parmesan.