Description
Savory pesto pasta with crispy brussels sprouts brings Italian-inspired comfort to your dinner table. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques combine for a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) brussels sprouts
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta shells or similar shape/size, gluten free if needed
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) pesto
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Prepare brussels sprouts by thinly slicing them using a sharp knife or utilizing a food processor’s shredding attachment for quick, uniform cuts.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Pour olive oil and add shredded brussels sprouts. Incorporate red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring intermittently until sprouts become tender yet maintain a vibrant green color.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for approximately 30 seconds. Ensure garlic releases its aromatic essence without burning, creating a fragrant base.
- Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet with sauteed brussels sprouts. Incorporate pesto and fresh lemon juice, distributing evenly. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese throughout the mixture. Gently toss ingredients until pasta is thoroughly coated with pesto.
- Taste the dish and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese for an indulgent finishing touch.
Notes
- Slice brussels sprouts uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor intensity and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Customize pasta thickness based on dietary preferences, swapping traditional wheat pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat alternatives.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control spice level, making the dish mild or fiery according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg