If you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful pasta dish, this Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is the perfect choice! In just 20 minutes, you get a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy bacon and tender broccoli, all coated in a subtly spicy gochujang-infused sauce. The heat from the chili paste perfectly balances the richness of the cream, creating a dish that is both indulgent and comforting.
This recipe is super versatile! Swap the bacon for pancetta, turkey bacon, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Can’t find orecchiette? Try shell pasta or fusilli for a similar texture. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
- 8 ½ ounces orecchiette
- Salt, to taste
- 1 small broccoli head, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 7 ounces bacon bits
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Directions:
- Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil.
- While the water heats, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the broccoli into small florets.
- Add orecchiette to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- In a large skillet over high heat, cook bacon until crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in thyme, tomato paste, and gochujang paste.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Drain the orecchiette and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of cooking water.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and a splash of the reserved cooking water to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 780 kcal | Servings: 4
Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette: A Creamy, Flavorful Pasta Dish
When it comes to quick and delicious meals, pasta is always a top choice. This Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is an excellent example of a dish that is easy to prepare yet packed with bold flavors. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce makes this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a satisfying meal, this dish will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect balance of creaminess, saltiness, and spice. The orecchiette pasta holds the rich sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element that contrasts nicely with the fresh, slightly crunchy broccoli. The star ingredient, gochujang paste, gives the dish a deep umami taste with a mild heat that enhances the overall experience.
One of the best things about this dish is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality pasta dish on your table. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
The Secret Ingredient: Gochujang Paste
One of the unique elements of this pasta is the addition of gochujang paste. Gochujang is a traditional Korean chili paste made from fermented chili peppers, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. It has a thick texture, a deep red color, and a slightly sweet, spicy, and umami-rich flavor.
While gochujang is typically used in Korean dishes like bibimbap and tteokbokki, it also works incredibly well in fusion recipes like this one. It acts as a natural thickener for the sauce, adding both depth and a gentle heat without overpowering the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Choosing the Right Pasta for This Dish
Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, is the perfect pasta shape for this dish. Its small, concave shape holds onto the creamy sauce, making sure each bite is flavorful and satisfying. However, if you don’t have orecchiette on hand, there are several great alternatives:
- Conchiglie (shells): Their curved shape traps sauce beautifully.
- Farfalle (bow-tie): The folds and ridges help hold the sauce.
- Cavatelli: These small, rolled pasta shapes have a hollow center, making them ideal for rich sauces.
- Fusilli: The twisted spirals cling to the creamy sauce.
- Penne rigate: The ridged, tubular shape helps the sauce adhere inside and out.
Each of these pasta shapes works well with creamy sauces, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
How to Customize This Dish
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or to use up ingredients you already have.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a meaty, umami-rich flavor.
- Add more vegetables: Broccoli is a great choice, but you can also add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or asparagus to boost the nutrient content.
- Use a different protein: Instead of bacon, try pancetta, turkey bacon, or even grilled chicken for a lighter option.
- Dairy-free alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette
To make sure this pasta turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Cook the pasta just right: Since the pasta continues cooking in the sauce, cook it for about 3 minutes less than the package instructions before adding it to the skillet. This prevents it from becoming too soft.
- Use fresh garlic and onion: These aromatics build the base of the sauce and add depth of flavor. Freshly chopped garlic and onion work best compared to pre-minced versions.
- Balance the spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of gochujang and gradually add more. You can also balance the spice with an extra splash of cream.
- Save some pasta water: Reserving about ½ cup of pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Finish with butter: A small knob of butter at the end of cooking adds extra richness and a glossy texture to the sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated easily.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just place it in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this pasta is in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of extra cream or milk to revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy and spicy pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with side dishes to create a more well-rounded meal. Some great options include:
- Garlic bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers complements the dish well.
- White wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice makes this pasta dish stand out from the rest.
Even if you’re new to cooking with gochujang, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to introduce it into your kitchen. The balance of flavors ensures that the spice is not overwhelming but rather enhances the overall dish.
Conclusion
This Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette is a must-try for pasta lovers who enjoy bold flavors and creamy textures. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a great addition to your regular meal rotation.
Whether you stick to the original version or put your own twist on it, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious, creamy, and spicy orecchiette