Description
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and vibrant pesto for a delightful dish ready in just 30 minutes. This pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and nutritious ingredients, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying dinner. The unique combination of savory bacon and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering experience that will soon become a household favorite. Perfect for meal prep, this dish retains its deliciousness even when reheated, ensuring you can enjoy it multiple times throughout the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 12 ounces Brussels sprouts
- 1 clove garlic (grated or minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells (gluten-free if needed)
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Thinly slice Brussels sprouts or shred them using a food processor.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy; remove from skillet, drain on paper towels, and chop.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet; sauté sliced Brussels sprouts with red pepper flakes for about 3-5 minutes until tender. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Combine cooked pasta, chopped bacon, pesto, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese in the skillet, stirring well to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg