Bacon and Broccoli Pasta

Description:
This Bacon and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights. It combines the smokiness of crispy bacon with tender broccoli and garlicky, buttery angel hair pasta. The dish is brought together with a light chicken broth sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making each bite flavorful and comforting. This one-pan dish saves you time and effort without sacrificing taste, and it’s easy to customize to suit your family’s preferences.

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Ingredients

• ½ pound bacon, diced
• 1 pound broccoli, cut into 1-inch florets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp cracked red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 12 oz angel hair pasta, broken in half
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes, until browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain all but ½ tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli:
   Add butter to the skillet. Once it has melted, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat them in the garlicky butter.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta (broken in half) and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
4. Add Parmesan and Steam:
   Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and broccoli mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow it to steam for an additional 1-2 minutes, which will help absorb any remaining liquid and allow the cheese to melt into the pasta.
5. Combine with Bacon:
   Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and gently toss everything together until well combined.
6. Serve:
   Divide the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for serving.

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Tips and Variations:

• Crispier Bacon:
  If you prefer extra crispy bacon, cook it in a separate pan or oven, then add it to the pasta just before serving to retain its texture.
• Vegetable Swap:
  If broccoli isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or peas for a different flavor and texture profile.
• Spice Level:
  Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. You can add more for extra heat or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  Swap the angel hair pasta for gluten-free pasta if needed, and adjust the cooking time as per the package instructions.
• Extra Creaminess:
  For a richer sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after adding the Parmesan.

This Bacon and Broccoli Pasta is a balanced meal with crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and cheesy pasta that comes together in one pan. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something delicious to meal prep, this dish will hit the spot with minimal effort!