Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Intensity/Ease: Easy
Servings: 4 as a main, 6 as a side dish
This recipe is the ultimate way to eat your greens! Crispy, smoky bacon and tender-crisp broccoli are enveloped in a luxuriously rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a low-carb dream that comes together in just one skillet in about 25 minutes. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight side dish or add some grilled chicken for a complete meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s so good, you might forget you’re eating broccoli!
Ingredients
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6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
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1 ½ lbs fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads), cut into bite-sized pieces
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (also known as double cream or thickened cream)
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½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Pro-tip: Pre-shredded cheese from a bag often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming smooth. Grating it yourself from a block makes a huge difference!
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pan
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Do not discard the bacon grease! It’s liquid gold for flavor. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the grease in the skillet and carefully drain off any excess, or leave it all for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp (you should be able to pierce it with a fork, but it should still have a little bite). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a plate, leaving as much grease in the pan as possible.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release all those delicious browned bits (the fond). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Cheese
Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly in the sauce. Add half of the crispy bacon and stir to combine.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Transfer to a serving dish and top with the remaining crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes & Tips
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Make it a Meal: To turn this into a hearty main course, add 2 cups of cooked, shredded or diced chicken along with the broccoli in the final step.
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Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: For the best texture, you want the broccoli to be tender-crisp. It will continue to cook slightly when you add it back to the warm sauce.
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Low-Carb/Keto Friendly: This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect choice for a keto or low-carb diet.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce may thicken as it sits; you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to thin it out.
Nutrition Information
Please note: The following nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, portion sizes, and any modifications made to the recipe. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee. For the most accurate calculations, please use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Calories: ~380 kcal
Total Fat: ~32g
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Saturated Fat: ~17g
Cholesterol: ~95mg
Sodium: ~750mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~10g -
Dietary Fiber: ~3g
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Sugars: ~3g
Protein: ~14g