Bacon & Charred Broccoli Pasta with Lemon
Ingredients
- 6 slicesbacon
- 1 poundbroccoli
- 12 ouncepasta
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 02
Cut 1 pound broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- 03
Zest and juice 1 lemon.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- 02
While pasta cooks, cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 7–8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel.
- 03
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Add to the bacon skillet (leave 2 tablespoons fat in the pan) and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until charred and tender, about 8 minutes.
- 04
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the broccoli. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 05
Add cooked pasta and bacon back to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup pasta water and juice from the lemon. Toss over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until everything is coated and glossy. Add more pasta water if dry.
- 06
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately with lemon zest over top.
Spice Tips
For warmth, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end adds brightness. Parmesan cheese is lovely but keeps it optional for a cleaner, lighter finish.