Go Back
–+ servings
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette: Creamy Flavor in 25 Minutes

Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is a quick, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that combines bacon, broccoli, and gochujang for a delightful weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Orecchiette The star of the dish; this pasta shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Chopped into bite-sized florets; feel free to substitute with asparagus or green beans.
For the Sauce
  • 6 ounces Bacon Provides a deliciously crispy and salty flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Freshly chopped yellow onion enhances the flavor foundation.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic for aroma and full flavor impact.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Adds a hint of earthiness to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Deepens the sauce's color and richness.
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang Paste Gives a sweet-spicy kick.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a velvety smooth sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a bold finish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add orecchiette and cook according to package instructions, minus 3 minutes.
  2. Chop broccoli into florets and finely dice onion. Mince garlic.
  3. When pasta is almost done, add broccoli to the pot and boil for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. In a skillet, cook diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  6. Stir in thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup cooking water. Add to skillet with sauce and toss gently.
  8. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved water and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust gochujang to control spice level. Store pasta and sauce separately when preparing ahead to maintain texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!