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Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta
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This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon and the zesty kick of pesto, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s customizable—use gluten-free pasta if needed or swap in your favorite greens!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced or shredded
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells (or similar shape; gluten-free if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons pesto
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
    • While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts or shred them using a food processor.
  3. Cook the Bacon:
    • In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
  4. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts:
    • In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the shredded Brussels sprouts and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  5. Combine Everything:
    • Add the chopped bacon, cooked pasta, pesto, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve:
    • Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  1. Prep Ahead: Save time by using pre-shredded Brussels sprouts or shred them in advance.
  2. Bacon Grease: Don’t skip reserving a tablespoon of bacon grease—it adds incredible flavor to the dish.
  3. Pesto Choice: Use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own for a fresher taste.
  4. Lemon Zest: For extra brightness, add a bit of lemon zest along with the juice.
  5. Customize: Add grilled chicken or swap Brussels sprouts for kale or spinach if preferred.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/brussels-sprouts-and-bacon-pesto-pasta-a-quick-and-flavorful-weeknight-meal/