Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Crisp Bacon
Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this rich and satisfying Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Crisp Bacon recipe. Tender penne pasta is coated in a velvety sauce made with caramelized Brussels sprouts, fragrant garlic, and a hint of heat from optional red chili flakes. Crispy, smoky bacon adds incredible texture and depth of flavor, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties it all together for a creamy, irresistible finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy dish is perfect for busy nights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Plus, it's a great way to make Brussels sprouts the star of your table! Perfect for pasta lovers seeking a hearty, veggie-packed twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 300 g Brussels sprouts
- 200 g bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends, remove any outer leaves that are browned, and slice them thinly.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the garlic, finely minced, and the red chili flakes, if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the sliced Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done, stir in the butter and crumble the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the bacon and Brussels sprouts. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss once more to combine.
Divide the pasta among plates or bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
547 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.4 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1550 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.9 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 27.6 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 187 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 532 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
