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Creamy Bacon and Broccoli Penne

Creamy Bacon and Broccoli Penne

with Parmesan
Niamh Kavanagh
Niamh KavanaghUpdated on April 01, 2026
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Calories
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Protein
40.4g protein
Preparation Time
35 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Allergens:
  • Gluten
  • Wheat
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Soy
  • Milk
  • May contain traces of allergens

Florets of broccoli and crispy bacon may not be the first combo you think of when it comes to pasta, but you can trust us on this one! Mix it all into a moreish sour cream-based sauce for a flavour explosion that's even worthy of Nonna's picky palate.

Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Serving amount

1 packet

penne

(Contains: Gluten, Wheat May be present: Eggs, Soy, Milk)

3 clove

garlic

1 head

broccoli

1

zucchini

1 packet

diced bacon

(May be present: Soy, Milk)

1 pinch

chilli flakes

1 packet

light cooking cream

(Contains: Milk)

1 bag

baby spinach leaves

1 packet

Parmesan cheese

(Contains: Milk)

Not included in your delivery

olive oil

20 g

butter

(Contains: Milk)

Energy (kJ)3693 kJ
Fat46.8 g
of which saturates22.4 g
Carbohydrate70 g
of which sugars7.8 g
Protein40.4 g
Sodium1151 mg
The average adult daily energy intake is 8700 kJ
Large Pan
Large Non-Stick Pan

Cooking Steps

1
1

• Half-fill a large saucepan with water, add a generous pinch of salt, then bring to the boil over high heat. • Cook penne in boiling water until ‘al dente’, 12 minutes. • Reserve some pasta water (1/4 cup for 2 people / 1/2 cup for 4 people). Drain penne, then return to saucepan.

2
2

• Meanwhile, finely chop garlic. • Cut broccoli into small florets and roughly chop the stalk. • Grate zucchini.

Little cooks: Under adult supervision, older kids can help grate the zucchini!

3
3

• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. • Cook diced bacon, breaking up with a spoon, until golden, 4-6 minutes.

4
4

• To the pan with the bacon, add the broccoli and zucchini and cook, tossing, until softened, 4-5 minutes. • Add the butter and stir to melt. Add the garlic and a pinch of chilli flakes (if using) and cook, tossing, until fragrant, 1 minute.

5
5

• Reduce heat to medium. Add light cooking cream and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine. • Add baby spinach leaves and stir through until wilted, 1-2 minutes. • Remove pan from heat, then add penne and 1/2 the Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine. • Season generously with salt and pepper.

Little cooks: Take the lead and stir the ingredients!

6
6

• Divide creamy bacon and broccoli penne between bowls. • Top with remaining Parmesan to serve. Enjoy!

Little cooks: Add the finishing touch by sprinkling the cheese on top!

Customer reviews

Review summary

Updated on Feb 2026
  • Flavour: Customers loved this creamy pasta dish, though some found it nice but not a standout favourite.
  • Ease of prep: The recipe was easy to put together, making it suitable for less experienced cooks, including children.
  • Suggestions: For a richer sauce, consider adding extra cream to help it coat the pasta more thoroughly.
AI-generated from customer reviews

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