Bacon & Cream Supreme Spaghetti with Broccoli

Step 1

• 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.

Step 2

• 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 of sheet. (For 4 servings, divide between 2 baking 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.

Step 3

• While everything roasts, 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.

Step 4

• Once bacon and broccoli are done, heat pot used for pasta over medium heat. 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.

Step 5

• Add spaghetti, garlic herb butter, and half the Parmesan (save the rest for serving) to pot with sauce. Cook, tossing, until butter has melted and pasta is coated in a creamy sauce, 1-2 minutes. (TIP: If necessary, stir in more pasta cooking water a splash at a time.) Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

• Stir bacon and broccoli into pasta, then divide pasta between plates. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve.