Easy Weeknight Bacon Broccoli Pasta Food

ITALIAN BROCCOLI-BACON PASTA RECIPE

Steps:

• Cook the small broccoli florets in boiling water with 1 tsp salt until soft (they should be bright green). Drain and set aside.
• Cook the pasta in boiling water with 1 tsp salt until al dente (follow instructions on the package). Drain and put back in the pot. Melt 2 Tbsp butter and mix into the pasta.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high, add the bacon and fry until lightly crisp. Fold a paper towel and put it in the skillet. Move it around the pan with spatula until it soaks up most of the fat. Discard the paper towel.
• Reduce to medium heat. Add the garlic and fry for 2 to 3 minutes stirring constantly.
• Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Stir over medium heat for 2 minutes.
• Add the broccoli mixture to the pasta. Mix well and serve with Parmesan.

BACON & BROCCOLI PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. About 3 mins before the pasta is cooked, throw in the broccoli. When everything is done, drain, reserving about 100ml of the cooking water.
• While the pasta is cooking, grill the bacon for 6-7 mins until crisp, then cut into bite-size pieces. Tip everything into the pasta pan, toss together well and loosen with a little of the cooking water, if needed. Sprinkle over the Parmesan and serve.

ONE-POT BACON BROCCOLI PASTA

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Drain fat from the pot leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
• Add the garlic and sautee for about 30 seconds. Add the uncooked pasta, cream, chicken broth, salt (and pepper), and crushed red pepper. Stir. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 6 minutes making sure to stir once in a while and keep noodles covered in liquid.
• Add the broccoli to the pot and cook another 5-7 minutes or until the broccoli is soft. Continue cooking until sauce is a little thicker. It will be thin and then thicken towards the end. Stir in the Parmesan and reserved bacon.
• Serve immediately and top with additional Parmesan.

BROCCOLI PASTA

Steps:

• Set up a steamer basket in a 3-quart saucepan. Add enough water to come up to the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the basket, cover and cook until the broccoli is soft and nearly falling apart but still holds its shape, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons butter and gently toss; season with salt and pepper, then mash.
• Cook the spaghetti according to label directions, then reserve 1 cup cooking water and drain.
• In a large skillet, cook the garlic in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil for 30 seconds. Add the mashed broccoli, the Parmesan and half of the reserved cooking water. Cook, stirring, until saucy. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the spaghetti, adding more cooking water as needed.