Spicy Bacon Broccoli Orecchiette

Tender orecchiette pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce with crispy bacon pieces and perfectly cooked broccoli florets creates an irresistible weeknight dinner option. This spicy bacon broccoli pasta delivers a delightful kick from gochujang paste that elevates this dish far beyond ordinary pasta recipes. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory elements comes together in just 20 minutes, making this the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first discovered the magic of adding gochujang to pasta sauce during a particularly hectic week when I was experimenting with pantry ingredients. My family was skeptical at first, but after one bite, this recipe quickly became our most requested weeknight dinner. The way the spicy cream sauce clings to each little pasta ear is simply perfect.

Essential Ingredients

• Orecchiette Pasta: These "little ears" create perfect pockets for holding the creamy sauce—look for pasta made with durum wheat semolina for the best texture and cooking results
• Fresh Broccoli: Select firm, bright green florets with compact heads—they provide essential texture contrast and nutritional balance to the richness of the sauce
• Quality Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for meatier bites that stand up better to the pasta—the rendered fat becomes part of the flavor base for your sauce
• Aromatic Base: Fresh onion and garlic create the foundation of flavor—mince them finely for even distribution throughout the dish
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated ingredient adds umami depth and subtle acidity that balances the cream—look for double-concentrated versions in tubes for more intense flavor
• Gochujang Paste: This Korean chili paste provides the signature spicy-sweet kick—authentic versions will have a balanced heat with subtle fermented undertones
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious sauce texture—use full-fat for the best consistency as lower-fat alternatives may split when heated with acidic ingredients

Cooking Process

Prepare Your Base:

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your pasta. In a separate large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and fat is rendered. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.

Build Flavor Layers:

Add finely diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to remove the raw flavor.

Create The Sauce:

Whisk in gochujang paste until well combined with the aromatics. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth sauce. Allow to simmer gently while the pasta cooks, thickening slightly.

Cook Pasta And Vegetables:

Add orecchiette to the boiling water and cook until about 2 minutes shy of package directions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water.

Combine Components:

Drain pasta and broccoli, then add directly to the sauce in the skillet. Add crispy bacon back to the pan and toss everything together. Add splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Finish With Flair:

For an extra touch of richness, stir in a knob of butter right at the end until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that bacon provides saltiness. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.

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My husband claims this pasta converted him from a "spicy food skeptic" to an enthusiast. He now keeps a jar of gochujang in his office to add to lunch meals. Our teenage son particularly loves how the sauce gets trapped in the little ear-shaped pasta, creating "flavor bombs" in every bite.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal with complementary side dishes that balance the rich pasta. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides peppery freshness and acidity that cuts through the creamy sauce. Crusty garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For a special occasion, start with bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil to contrast with the spicy main course.

Exciting Alternatives

Customize this versatile dish to suit your preferences or what's in your pantry. Replace broccoli with asparagus spears or peas for a spring variation that brings bright, fresh flavor. Create a seafood version by omitting bacon and adding sautéed shrimp or scallops that pair beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute mushrooms for bacon—cremini or shiitake varieties provide meaty texture and umami flavor that complements the gochujang wonderfully.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Preserve the deliciousness with proper storage techniques. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping pasta dishes away from strong-smelling foods. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky texture as you warm it gently in a nonstick pan. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly to prevent the sauce from separating.

I've made countless pasta dishes over the years, but this spicy bacon broccoli orecchiette has become my signature recipe when friends come over. What makes it special is how it transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary with just that one special ingredient—gochujang. The way the spicy-sweet sauce clings to each pasta curve, the perfect balance of textures between the tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and crunchy bacon creates a dish that feels sophisticated yet comforting. Every time I serve it, guests inevitably ask for the recipe, amazed that something so delicious comes together in just 20 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is gochujang and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. You can find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores, at Asian markets, or online.

→ Can I substitute another pasta for orecchiette?

Yes! Any small to medium pasta shape works well. Try shells, farfalle (bow ties), or fusilli - shapes that can catch the creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies.

→ How spicy is this dish?

With 2 tablespoons of gochujang, it has a moderate kick. For milder flavor, start with 1 tablespoon. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or more gochujang to taste.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and use 2 tablespoons olive oil to sauté the vegetables. Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to mimic that smoky bacon flavor.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread is also a great companion to soak up any extra sauce.