Why should I eat broccoli?
We all know that broccoli is good for us. It’s low in fat, yet packed with nutrients. Broccoli is a great source of fiber and is bursting with vitamins A and C. These essential vitamins help strengthen the immune system, as well as promote both eye and bone health.
And it’s not just vitamins we get from broccoli. It also serves as a valuable source of magnesium, potassium and calcium, not to mention supplying us with smaller, but still beneficial, amounts of selenium, iron and zinc.
But even when we know that something is good for us, it can be hard to incorporate it into our diet as much as we should or would like to. That’s why I’m always trying to think of new ways I can include it in the meals I make, as an alternative to simply eating it as another side vegetable.
This Easy Cheese Broccoli and Bacon Pasta dish combines broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce spread and pasta for a dish that is nourishing and nutritious.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Pasta
The garlic is optional, but since garlic is known to help lower cholesterol, it makes a good addition to this dish. Increase the quantities of ingredients as necessary for more servings.
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- Coarse salt, for cooking water
- 1/2 pound dried pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 slices bacon (such as back bacon), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium head broccoli florets, cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces, if large
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 5 ounces commercial cheese spread, preferably low fat
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat; add salt and stir to combine. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions or until the pasta is al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, add the olive oil to a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the bacon and cook the bacon for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the bacon from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Add broccoli florets and garlic to skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is slightly tender yet retains its green hue.
Add cheese spread to the skillet, stirring to coat bacon and broccoli pieces. As it cooks, the cheese spread will thin slightly in consistency.
Transfer drained pasta to skillet and stir gently to coat pasta with cheese sauce. Heat until the pasta is warmed throughout.
Divide pasta and broccoli among two serving bowls. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.
