Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon

01Method

1. 1

   Clean the broccoli and cut into florets. Boil in a large pot of salted water for about 12–15 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside, reserving the cooking water for the pasta.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the bacon for about 3–4 minutes, then add the broccoli. Stir and pour in the milk. Simmer for 15 minutes with occasional stirring, gently breaking up some florets as they cook. The sauce will be creamy, fairly thick, and greenish in colour.

3. 3

   Cook the pasta in the reserved broccoli cooking water. Before draining, save some of the cooking water, strain the pasta, and return it to the pot. Add the broccoli sauce and sprinkle with parmesan. Mix well and season with salt and pepper as needed. Add some of the reserved water to help distribute the sauce.

4. 4

   Serve topped with grated parmesan and dried chilli flakes.