Bacon and Broccoli Pasta

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Servings 6

This Bacon and Broccoli Pasta recipe is filling but light, and super flavorful. Plus it’s all done is less than 30 minutes and cooked in just one pot, so clean up is crazy easy!

pasta with broccoli and bacon on plate

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5 STAR REVIEW

We love this bacon and broccoli pasta recipe so much, it graces my dinner table several times a month.

This dish checks all the boxes for me – it’s full of flavor from salty bacon, chicken broth, and Parmesan, you get your veggies built in with tender broccoli, the pasta makes it hearty, it’s read in under 30 minutes, and all made in one pot so clean up is a breeze. Make it for your family, and I promise it will be an instant favorite.

Helpful Tips

  • Broccoli – Fresh broccoli cut into 1-inch florets. Frozen can be used, but it should be thawed first.
  • Use angel hair pasta – You’ll need uncooked angel hair pasta, broken in half. If you use a different pasta, the broth and cooking time will need to be adjusted which might overcook the broccoli.
  • Don’t use the full box of pasta. This recipe calls for 12 ounces of pasta – that’s about 3/4 of the box. If you use the full box, there won’t be enough liquid in the pot for the pasta to absorb and cook it properly.
5 from 16

{One Pot} Bacon and Broccoli Pasta

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
This Bacon and Broccoli Pasta recipe is filling but light, and super flavorful. Plus it’s all done is less than 30 minutes and cooked in just one pot, so clean up is crazy easy!

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 pound bacon, , diced
  • 1 pound broccoli, , cut into 1-inch florets
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, , minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 12 ounces angel hair pasta, , broken in half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, , plus more for serving

Instructions 

  • In a large nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel lined plate. Drain all but 1/2 tablespoon grease from the pan.
  • Add butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add in the broccoli and toss to coat.
  • Pour in the chicken broth; bring to a boil.
  • Add in the pasta and give it a stir, separating the strands so it doesn't stick together. Cook for 4-5 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese, reduce heat to low, cover the pan and allow to steam for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Add cooked bacon back to the pan and toss gently to combine.
  • Divide into bowls and serve with more Parmesan at the table.

Video

Notes

Use angel hair pasta. The amount of liquid and cook time written works perfectly for angel hair. If you use a different pasta, the broth and cook time will need to be adjusted, which might overcook the broccoli.
Use just 12 ounces of pasta. You’ll need about 3/4 of the box. If you use the full box, there won’t be enough liquid for the pasta to absorb and cook it properly.

Nutrition

Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 837mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 815IU | Vitamin C: 68.1mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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Serving Suggestions

Pasta with bacon and broccoli is hearty and filling, but it pairs perfectly with homemade garlic bread and a simple side salad if you want more of a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

  • Store. Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It is best eaten up within 2-3 days.
  • Freeze. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind that thawed pasta will have a much softer texture.
  • Reheat. Gently reheat in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth to loosen, if necessary.

More One Pot Pasta Recipes:

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!

close up mound of pasta with bacon and broccoli

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About Amy Flanigan

Well, hey there! Amy here, founder and COO at BellyFull. If you’re looking for tried and true, fuss-free, budget-friendly, delicious, every day recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

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22 Comments
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Lindsay
April 27, 2025 4:37 pm

This is a keeper! Super easy and delicious! Even my picky eaters loved it. It’s going on the weekly rotation!

Patty
March 28, 2025 3:57 pm

This was so delicious, I added some shrimp to mine for extra protein, even my Italian husband loved it!!!!!

Jim
March 24, 2025 9:28 am

This was great. Not a family of broccoli lovers but stayed true to the recipe because this site has never let us down before. This was no exception. No changes needed. We loved it.

Ellen Golub
October 25, 2024 3:39 pm

My husband loved this pasta so much. Throughout the meal he must have said he loves this pasta at least 10 times. This will become a regular.

Teresa
December 19, 2023 10:43 am

Amy, I love all of your recipes so much! I was thinking about adding chicken, but then I saw the protein is 20g! Dumb question I guess, but, where’s all that protein coming from?

Donna
August 25, 2022 10:53 am

We tried this recipe and we love it. Most times we have it once a week with salad and garlic-toast.

Jane
June 21, 2023 10:11 am
Reply to  Donna

This is the best pasta recipe I have ever made. So easy and so delicious!! I am definitely making this again!

Pamela Becar
July 30, 2022 7:19 am

This is one of those go to recipes that we absolutely love. The kids go back for seconds, and so easy to prepare.

Cara
July 14, 2022 9:59 am

My family absolutely loved this – even my kids who I can never get to eat peas. THANK YOU!

Patty G
June 12, 2022 10:13 am

Delicious! This recipe is a keeper for sure. I suggest adding the zest of one lemon, it adds a bit of extra freshness to the dish.

Bill Daly
May 5, 2022 3:21 am

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Pamela Becar
July 30, 2022 7:20 am
Reply to  Bill Daly

I used frozen and did not thaw first, still turned out perfect.

Ann
February 25, 2021 3:21 pm

My husband and I loved this recipe! Used chicken stock rather than broth. The stock was salted so I added no additional salt. I was a bit generous with the bacon and I can’t make myself break pasta in half!! I used a Rachael Ray oval saucepan….I am so happy I bought this years ago! Spaghetti type pasta is very happy in it!

Ann Chisholm
February 23, 2021 3:48 pm

My husband and I loved this recipe!! There is so much flavor! I’m sure I used 3/4 lbs of bacon (I used 4 slices for the Olive Garden Zappa Toscana….another favorite!). Didn’t add any additional salt because I used regular chicken stock. Yes stock…more flavor! We were eating it saying OMG repeatedly! The 1/4 tsp of red pepper flake had a little roundness to it! I’d rather take a Tum or two at night than give up the flavor of this recipe!

Lou Garase
January 31, 2021 3:58 pm

Made this recipe several times; it is very delicious. My husband loves it and my family and friends can’t get enough.

Jean Hostetler
June 30, 2021 2:27 pm
Reply to  Lou Garase

It was a hit!

Sue
November 2, 2020 4:20 am

Loved this!

Amber
April 12, 2020 3:53 pm

How about using gluten free Asian noodles, the kind I have is very thin like Angel hair?

Amy @Belly Full
April 12, 2020 4:16 pm
Reply to  Amber

Hi Amber! Since I’m not entirely familiar with the product you have, I can’t say for sure how it will turn out, but you can definitely try it! If the these Asian noodles typically cook faster than angel hair pasta, you will want to cut back on the cooking time.

Sharon
March 20, 2020 12:11 pm

My entire family loved this so much – even my little kids are the broccoli. Excellent, easy recipe!