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Cozy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta

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A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner featuring crispy bacon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and vibrant basil pesto tossed with pasta for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, remove any yellow or damaged leaves, then halve them. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  4. While sprouts roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet.
  6. Add minced garlic to bacon fat and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, not browned.
  7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts and cooked pasta to skillet. Stir in pesto, crispy bacon, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to combine. Optionally, sprinkle lemon zest and mix gently.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Garlic should be cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add toasted nuts. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, pesto, pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/cozy-brussels-sprouts-and-bacon-pesto-pasta-easy-recipe-for-weeknight-dinner/