Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe in 20 Minutes

I’ve made this one-pot bacon and broccoli pasta countless times, and it’s become my go-to for busy weeknights. It’s the perfect comfort meal that feels special without any of the fuss.

The combination of crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a creamy sauce all comes together in a single pot, which means cleanup is incredibly easy.

I love that I can get a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in about 20 minutes. This recipe is a true lifesaver, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pasta

A great dish starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips to make this recipe shine.

4 strips of bacon, cut into chunks – Thick-cut bacon works best as it stays chewy and flavorful after cooking.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic provides a much better flavor than the jarred kind.
2 cups dry rigatoni pasta – Rigatoni’s ridges are perfect for catching the creamy sauce, but penne or farfalle are great substitutes.
2 cups heavy cream – This is the key to a rich, luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Using a low-sodium version allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste, especially depending on the saltiness of your bacon and broth.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper – This adds a gentle warmth to the dish without making it spicy. Feel free to add more if you like heat.
2 cups broccoli florets – Use fresh broccoli for the best texture; frozen broccoli can become mushy.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Grating your own cheese from a block ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without any clumps.

Note: The ingredient quantities are sufficient for 4 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add More Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms or diced onions with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients. You could also stir in some fresh spinach at the very end until it wilts.
Boost the Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked, cubed chicken or Italian sausage. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for a quick addition.
Lighten It Up: To reduce the fat content, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still delicious.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative instead of the heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

bacon broccoli pasta recipe — Credit IG (theoriginalgreenpan )

Cooking Time

This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this one-pot meal, which is part of its charm.

Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for cooking everything evenly without burning.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the bacon, mincing the garlic, and cutting the broccoli.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the pasta and sauce to prevent sticking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you have the right proportions for a perfect sauce.

How to Make Bacon Broccoli Pasta

This one-pot method simplifies the cooking process, letting the pasta absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

First, cook your bacon chunks in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot for flavor and discard the rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Combine Ingredients

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Next, add the uncooked pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. The liquid will begin to thicken as the pasta cooks.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish

Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot, stir them in, and cover again. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the pasta is cooked al dente. The sauce will have thickened considerably by this point.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved crispy bacon. Let the pasta sit for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to settle and cling to the pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over time, I’ve found a few little tricks that take this simple dish from great to amazing.

Don’t overcook the broccoli: I like to add the broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This way, it stays bright green and has a slight bite to it, which adds a nice texture to the dish.
Reserve some pasta water (if cooking separately): If you decide to cook the pasta in a different pot, I recommend saving a cup of the starchy pasta water. You can add a splash to the sauce if it gets too thick, helping it stay creamy and smooth.
Salt the water properly: This is a basic tip but so important. Salting your pasta water well seasons the pasta from the inside out and makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
Use fresh herbs: I sometimes toss in a handful of fresh parsley or basil at the end. It adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream and bacon.

How to Serve Bacon Broccoli Pasta?

This creamy pasta dish is wonderful on its own, but a few simple additions can make the meal feel complete. A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in the bowl. For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

When serving, garnish with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper. For a pop of color and a touch of freshness, a little chopped fresh parsley on top works beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal
Protein: Around 20-25g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 45-55g
Fat: About 30-40g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious. Here’s how to handle them.

To Store: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
To Reheat: Gently reheat the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
To Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. Cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed, and the texture of the pasta and broccoli may become mushy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this Bacon Broccoli Pasta will become a staple in your home.

Incredibly Fast and Easy: With minimal prep and a 20-minute total cook time, this dish is perfect for those nights when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes to wash. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor.
Full of Flavor: The combination of savory bacon, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce is a classic that appeals to the whole family.
Highly Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, proteins like chicken, or different types of pasta to suit your taste.