There are recipes that smell like home, Sunday lunches, and laughter around the table. Today we take you to the heart of the southern tradition with a simple, appetizing first course with an irresistible taste: pasta with broccoli and bacon.
Perfect when the first fresh broccoli starts appearing at the greengrocer, but ideal all year thanks to handy frozen ones. It’s that clever dish to include in the weekly menu when you want something tasty, nutritious, and that makes even those who turn up their noses eat vegetables (yes, them… children!).
Imagine a cool autumn day, you come home and crave something warm and creamy. You open the fridge, find the bacon, retrieve the broccoli, and in a few minutes prepare a first course that smells of tradition. It’s one of those “dinner-saving” dishes that always makes us feel a little pampered, bringing us back to the simple but rich flavors of traditional cooking.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, and Spring
- Energy 398.30 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 63.21 (g) of which sugars 3.34 (g)
- Proteins 18.88 (g)
- Fat 9.58 (g) of which saturated 3.28 (g)of which unsaturated 6.18 (g)
- Fibers 3.18 (g)
- Sodium 423.70 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 179 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
Few, simple, and super accessible. The perfect combo between taste and practicality, ideal for those days when you want something good without too much fuss.
- 11 oz ridged penne pasta
- 1/2 onion
- 1 garlic (clove)
- 4 cups broccoli
- 4 oz bacon (diced)
- to taste salt
Steps
The preparation is really easy: just a few quick steps to bring to the table a dish that seems to come straight from grandma’s kitchen!
WITHOUT BIMBY:
1. Start by cleaning the broccoli and cutting them into florets. Boil in salted water for about 7-8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. In the same broccoli cooking water, cook the pasta following the indicated times.
Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat the oil and sauté the whole garlic clove (then remove it) and the finely chopped half onion.
3. Add the diced bacon and fry until golden brown.
4. Pour the broccoli into the pan, mashing them slightly with a fork to create a coarse cream.
5. Drain the pasta al dente and pour it directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything for a couple of minutes, adding a bit of cooking water if necessary.BIMBY:
1. Pour the pasta water into the bowl, bring to a boil at 212°F, speed 1.
2. Add the broccoli and cook 8 min. 212°F, Soft speed. Drain and set aside.
3. Insert oil, garlic, and onion into the bowl: 3 min. 212°F, speed 1.
4. Add the bacon: 5 min. 212°F, Soft speed.
5. Add the broccoli and blend 5 sec. speed 4 for a coarse cream.
6. Pour everything over the pasta cooked separately, mix, and serve.
So what are you waiting for? Run to the kitchen and try this pasta with broccoli and bacon right away!
And if you like, share it with those you love: you’ll see it will become a regular at the table.
And now… let’s taste it! The sweetness of the broccoli perfectly combines with the savory bacon, all wrapped in an amazing creaminess. One forkful leads to another, guaranteed.
Storage: You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, well sealed in an airtight container.
Notes: You can replace the bacon with speck or guanciale for a stronger flavor. And if you want to make it even creamier, add a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end.
Serving: Serve hot, maybe with a drizzle of raw olive oil and a grating of cheese.
Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon: the creamy dish that wins everyone over, even the little ones!
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely yes! You just need to cook them directly in boiling water following the package instructions and proceed with the recipe. Perfect for when you can’t find fresh ones but don’t want to miss out on this delicious dish.
