Bacon Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Open in Supper to scale servings and turn this into a grocery list.

Steps

1. Step 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (I usually add at least 1 tablespoon of salt).

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large saucepan or Dutch oven set over medium to medium-high heat until cooked, crispy, and fat is rendered. Remove bacon from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Drain the rendered fat from the pot, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot.

3. Step 3

   Once the pot of water is boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the pot using a slotted spoon and rinse the broccoli with cold water to stop it from cooking any further. Do not drain the water from the pot!

4. Step 4

   Return the pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the dry pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than al dente (about 6 minutes). Just before draining, reserve 1-2 cups of boiling pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a large colander.

5. Step 5

   Return the saucepan with the reserved bacon fat to the stovetop and set it over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they are softened (about 4-5 minutes). Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds more

6. Step 6

   Melt the butter with the cooking onions and garlic. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the onions with the all-purpose flour and mix well to combine.

7. Step 7

   Slowly stir in the chicken broth until combined with the butter and flour. Then pour in the half-and-half. Mix well to combine, and bring to a gentle boil.

8. Step 8

   Add the blanched broccoli, cooked bacon, and cooked penne to the pan. Carefully combine with the cream sauce, then sprinkle with the shredded parmesan cheese.

9. Step 9

   Return to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes or until everything is heated through. Add additional pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.

10. Step 10

    Serve with additional Parmesan, if desired.

Interactive, hands-free timers are available in the Supper app.