Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Pasta

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