When I first spotted a bunch of brussels sprouts at the farmer’s market, I never imagined they would transform my weeknight dinners forever. With deliciously crispy bacon, a vibrant pesto sauce, and a hint of lemon, my Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta has become a staple in my kitchen. Preparing this meal takes just 30 minutes, making it the perfect antidote to mundane fast-food cravings. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly blends comfort with vibrant flavors, impressing everyone from busy weeknight diners to unexpected guests.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily adapt it to fit a vegetarian diet by swapping out the bacon for tempeh or simply omitting it altogether. Plus, with gluten-free pasta options available, almost everyone can dig into this hearty bowl of goodness. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weekly dinner routine or simply find a quick and rewarding meal, I invite you to dive into this delightful combination of textures and flavors that is sure to become a favorite at your table!
Why is Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta a Must-Try?
Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon and vibrant pesto creates a mouthwatering experience.
Healthy Twist: Packed with nutritious brussels sprouts, it offers a great veggie boost.
Easily Customizable: Vegan or gluten-free? No problem—substitute easily to fit your dietary needs.
Impressive Presentation: It looks fancy but is simple enough for any home cook, impressing family or guests!
Explore more easy ideas like this one to reinvent your dinner routine!
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Pasta – Choose your favorite variety; for a gluten-free option, go for gluten-free pasta shells.
For the Brussels Sprouts
• Brussels Sprouts – Offers a nutty flavor and softer texture when sautéed; shred them for faster cooking.
• Bacon – Provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture; omit for a vegetarian version or use tempeh for a similar bite.
For the Flavor Boosters
• Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile; always opt for fresh garlic for the best taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a touch of heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the dish’s flavors; season to taste.
For the Sauce
• Pesto – This creamy sauce adds richness; you can use store-bought or homemade for convenience.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish, bringing balance; freshly squeezed gives the best zing.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds creaminess and depth; for a vegan option, substitute with nutritional yeast.
Get ready to whip up your own Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta that’s sure to bring excitement back to your dinner table!
How to Make Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta
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Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring no water clings to the pasta.
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Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Thinly slice or shred the brussels sprouts using a knife or food processor for a quicker prep. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips and cook until they are crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels but reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
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Sauté Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the brussels sprouts and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender and bright green.
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Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing its flavor to blossom without burning.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta, crispy bacon, pesto, lemon juice, and parmesan to the skillet. Gently mix everything together until well combined, adjusting seasoning as needed.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, adding extra parmesan on top if desired. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of your dish!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta
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Salt the Water: Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the flavor of the dish—it’s essential for perfect pasta!
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Shred for Speed: Consider buying pre-shredded brussels sprouts to save time during preparation, especially on busy weeknights.
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Perfect Sauté: Keep a close eye on the brussels sprouts while sautéing. They should be tender yet slightly crisp for the best texture.
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Customize Wisely: If you’re going the vegetarian route, replace bacon with olive oil and skip the cheese for a lighter option that still packs flavor.
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Adjust Spice: Taste as you cook! If you prefer a milder dish, start with fewer red pepper flakes and add more if desired—everyone loves a dish that suits their palate.
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Storage Savvy: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat to enjoy your Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta just as delightful as the first time!
Make Ahead Options
These Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the brussels sprouts by shredding them up to 24 hours in advance and keeping them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can cook the bacon ahead of time, allowing it to cool before storing it with the sprouts. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, simply sauté the sprouts (adding in the reserved bacon fat for flavor), then follow the remaining steps to combine the ingredients. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to serve on busy weeknights with minimal effort!
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta Variations
Embrace creativity in the kitchen with fun twists to this delightful recipe!
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and sauté brussels sprouts in olive oil for a delicious, plant-based alternative.
For a heartier option, consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. -
Protein Boost: Add drained and rinsed chickpeas for a fiber-rich protein addition. They’ll create a satisfying meal without meat, perfect for those seeking a filling dish.
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Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate dietary needs. This swap ensures everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish without sacrificing taste.
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Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or goat cheese before serving for a sumptuous, creamy texture that melds beautifully with the pesto.
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Zesty Twist: Add zest from a lemon for an extra citrus kick. A touch of lemon zest brightens the flavors, making this dish sing with freshness!
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Herb Variations: Experiment with different pestos like arugula or basil for a unique twist. Each herb brings a delightful depth, transforming the dish with every bite.
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Spicy Spin: For those who crave heat, toss in more red pepper flakes or even sliced jalapeños to bring an extra layer of excitement to this already vibrant dish.
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Nutty Surprise: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast and a nutty flavor that complements the rich pesto and bacon beautifully.
Explore these variations to make your Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta uniquely yours, and enjoy the journey of flavor!
What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta?
Pairing this delightful dish with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and enhance those vibrant flavors.
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Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast, perfect for scooping up the creamy pesto sauce.
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Simple Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery bite that complements the savory pasta beautifully.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a satisfying crunch and additional nutrients while highlighting the dish’s earthy tones.
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Lemonade or Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of lemonade or crisp sparkling water balances the rich flavors of the pasta, keeping your palate invigorated.
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Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits are the perfect comfort food counterpart, soaking up the luscious sauce and providing an inviting texture.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse serves as a sweet ending, contrasting nicely with the savory main dish. The richness rounds out the meal wonderfully.
Storage Tips for Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive the pasta’s texture.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil after reheating to enhance the vibrant flavors of your Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta.
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for those that are firm and compact with a vibrant green color. Avoid any that have dark spots or are yellowing, as these are signs of age. Smaller sprouts are usually sweeter and more tender. If you can, buy them on the stalk for better freshness!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very good question! To store your Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to preserve the flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop to keep the pasta’s texture intact.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it, warm it on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water to help revive the texture.
What if my Brussels sprouts get mushy while cooking?
This is a common issue, but don’t worry! To avoid mushy Brussels sprouts, ensure you’re not overcooking them; they only need about 3-4 minutes of sautéing to become tender yet still retain a slight crunch. Furthermore, if you happen to overcook them, you can balance their softness by adding a bit more lemon juice or freshly grated Parmesan to enhance the dish.
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Very relevant! If preparing this dish for someone with dietary restrictions, be aware that bacon may be a concern due to pork allergies. For a vegetarian option, you can easily replace it with tempeh or eliminate it altogether. Always ensure that your pasta is labeled gluten-free if gluten intolerance is a concern. Additionally, consider using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You bet! To create a vegan version of Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta, omit the bacon entirely and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use olive oil to sauté the sprouts, and opt for a vegan pesto. This way, you’ll still enjoy a deliciously creamy pasta dish that everyone can savor!
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta in Just 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Thinly slice or shred the brussels sprouts using a knife or food processor.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the brussels sprouts, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add the drained pasta, bacon, pesto, lemon juice, and parmesan to the skillet. Mix until well combined.
- Divide among plates, adding extra parmesan on top if desired.