Serves 2
with Broccoli
Love alfredo? Then you’ll adore this dreamy dish. It’s a sophisticated riff on the classic with tons more flavor infused into every bite. There’s roasted broccoli, crispy bacon, and al dente spaghetti all coated in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy-as-all-get-out sauce. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on any pasta-lover’s face.
Adjust rack to top position (top and middle positions for 4 servings) and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce.
Cut broccoli florets into bite-size pieces if necessary. Peel and mince or grate garlic.
Toss broccoli on one side of a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
Place bacon* on empty side. (For 4 servings, divide between 2 sheets; roast bacon on top rack and broccoli on middle rack.)
Roast on top rack until broccoli is tender and bacon is crispy, 15-20 minutes. TIP: If bacon is done before broccoli, remove from sheet and continue roasting broccoli.
Once bacon is cool enough to handle, chop into bite-size pieces.
While broccoli and bacon roast, add spaghetti to pot of boiling water. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes.
Reserve 1½ cups pasta cooking water (2 cups for 4 servings), then drain.
Once broccoli and bacon are done, melt 1 TBSP butter in pot used for pasta over medium heat; add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
Add cheese roux and 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water (1½ cups for 4 servings); whisk to combine. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium low and whisk in cream cheese to combine.
Add drained spaghetti, 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings), and half the Parmesan (save the rest for serving) to pot with sauce. Cook, tossing, until pasta is coated in a creamy sauce, 1-2 minutes. (TIP: If necessary, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time.) Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Stir bacon and broccoli into pasta, then divide between plates. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve.
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