Save This Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette comes together in just twenty five minutes but offers layers of creamy comfort with a gentle spicy kick from gochujang. Perfect for weeknights when you need something both satisfying and exciting this pasta is a clever twist on Italian classics that delivers bold flavor in every bite.
This was my solution one hurried evening when I had only bacon broccoli and some leftover Korean chili paste. Since then it has become our go to quick dinner that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Orecchiette pasta: Quality Italian dried pasta clings to creamy sauces and creates the perfect texture
- Broccoli: Look for firm green heads with tight florets They add crunch and nutrition while soaking up the sauce
- Brown onion: Adds gentle sweetness and flavor depth Pick one that feels heavy for its size and has papery skin
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give the best aroma and flavor Avoid any sprouting bulbs
- Bacon bits: Opt for thick cut bacon chopped small Look for a meaty pack with streaks of fat for crispiness
- Dried thyme: Choose a fragrant dried herb not chalky or dull It brightens dishes with herbal notes
- Tomato paste: Brings tangy savoriness Go for double concentrated paste for richer flavor
- Gochujang paste: Delivers heat and a little sweetness Check dates for freshness use more for extra spice
- Salt: Always use a fine sea salt so it dissolves quickly in water
- Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for finishing the dish Spring for whole peppercorns to grind fresh
- Heavy cream: Happy cows make better cream Use fresh if possible for the smoothest sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil and add the orecchiette. Boil uncovered until almost al dente according to the package about ten to eleven minutes. In the last three minutes tip in your broccoli pieces so they turn bright green and just tender. Drain both together using a colander and set aside. This timing ensures perfectly cooked pasta and crisp tender broccoli
- Crisp the Bacon:
- Place your bacon bits in a cold skillet and set it over medium heat. Let the fat slowly render cooking the bacon until golden and crispy stirring now and then for even browning. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a plate leaving the flavorful fat in the pan. This step makes your sauce extra delicious
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Into the same skillet with hot bacon fat drop the diced onion Sauté gently for about three to four minutes stirring so it softens but does not brown. Toss in the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with aroma
- Create the Spicy Cream Sauce:
- Add the tomato paste and gochujang to the skillet stirring well so the mix turns brick red and thickens slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to blend. Let the sauce gently simmer and bubble for two to three minutes until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon
- Finish the Pasta:
- Tip the drained pasta and broccoli into your skillet and use a wooden spoon to toss everything so the sauce envelopes every nook. Fold in your crispy bacon and give a taste adding salt if needed
- Serve and Garnish:
- Dish up hot pasta into bowls and dust generously with black pepper. For a little extra heat add another tiny swirl of gochujang or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness
Save I never expected broccoli and gochujang would get along so well but after my son insisted on trying the spicy pasta version it instantly became his birthday dinner request. The bacon is always the first thing to disappear from the bowl
Storage Tips
Let the pasta cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the sauce thickens upon reheating just splash in some milk or cream during warming and stir until silky again. It also freezes fairly well portion leftovers in airtight containers and thaw overnight before gently reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not eat pork swap out bacon for turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms. You can use penne or shells if orecchiette is not available but pick a shape that holds sauce. Broccoli can be replaced with broccolini green beans or even zucchini coins for a seasonal twist. For dairy free try a plant cream and omit bacon for a vegan base
Serving Suggestions
A lemony arugula salad on the side balances the richness. Serve with crusty garlic bread to mop up extra sauce. For a full meal top with a sunny side up egg or a pinch of grated parmesan if you want serious comfort
Save This pasta is a weeknight favorite that brings both comfort and excitement to our dinner table. Try it once and it just might become your family's new crave worthy classic.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, increase or decrease the amount of gochujang to suit your preference for mild or bold heat.
- → What if I don’t have orecchiette?
Feel free to substitute with another short pasta like penne, shells, or fusilli for a similar result.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and use mushrooms or smoked tofu to maintain savory flavors without meat.
- → How can I prep vegetables for best texture?
Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and add during the last minutes of boiling pasta.
- → Which cream is best for the sauce?
Heavy cream provides a rich, smooth sauce, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter texture.
- → What toppings go well with this dish?
Freshly ground black pepper, grated parmesan, or a sprinkle of chopped herbs enhance the final flavors.