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Bacon, Broccoli & Cheese Pasta

Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Difficulty 2/5

Easy bacon, broccoli and cheese pasta—ready in 35 minutes with simple ingredients for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Why this recipe works

A straightforward, comforting pasta that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. It suits cooks who want a hearty meal with minimal fuss and common pantry ingredients. This version keeps steps simple: cook pasta, crisp bacon, sauté vegetables, then combine with cheese and a bit of pasta water for a quick, glossy sauce.

Search intent: looking for an easy dinner pasta recipe
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  • 30 minute dinner pasta

Key takeaways

Use reserved pasta water to bind the sauce without cream.
Cook broccoli and carrots to tender-crisp for texture.
Add cheese off heat and stir with a splash of water for smoothness.

Recipe guide

A straightforward, comforting pasta that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. It suits cooks who want a hearty meal with minimal fuss and common pantry ingredients. This version keeps steps simple: cook pasta, crisp bacon, sauté vegetables, then combine with cheese and a bit of pasta water for a quick, glossy sauce.

A quick, weeknight pasta that balances smoky bacon, crisp broccoli and melty cheese.

  • Use reserved pasta water to bind the sauce without cream.
  • Cook broccoli and carrots to tender-crisp for texture.
  • Add cheese off heat and stir with a splash of water for smoothness.

Quick overview

This recipe serves about 4 and takes roughly 35 minutes total (15 min prep, 20 min cook). It combines al dente pasta with crisp bacon, sautéed onion, carrots and broccoli, finished with grated cheese and reserved pasta water for a light sauce.

Step-by-step cooking

1) Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain. 2) Sauté chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove and keep fat in pan. 3) Add butter, cook sliced onion until translucent, then 30 seconds garlic. 4) Add julienned carrots and broccoli, sauté 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp; add a splash of pasta water if needed. 5) Return bacon, add drained pasta, toss and loosen with reserved water to make a light sauce. 6) Remove from heat, stir in grated cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper and serve.

Tips and variations

Use cheddar for creaminess or parmesan for a sharper finish. Swap bacon for pancetta or smoked ham. For a lighter version, reduce butter to 1 tsp and use partial-skim cheese. Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten the dish.

Ingredients

  • 300 g pasta
  • 150 g bacon, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned

Instructions

  1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, sauté chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add butter to the skillet, then sauté sliced onion until soft and translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add julienned carrots and broccoli florets, sauté until tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes; add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
  6. Return cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet with vegetables and toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese until melted and coating the pasta; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra cheese if desired.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes—thaw or add a few minutes earlier in the skillet and cook until tender-crisp to avoid sogginess.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping? Remove pan from direct heat before adding cheese and stir quickly while adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
Can I make this ahead? Partially: cook components separately (pasta, vegetables, bacon) and store chilled; reheat together with a little reserved pasta water and cheese just before serving.