Imagine a dish that combines the crispy decadence of bacon, the earthy richness of caramelized Brussels sprouts, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta - all in one skillet! This Bacon Brussels Sprout Pasta Skillet is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick, gourmet weeknight meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing them thoroughly and cutting them in half lengthwise. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add the halved Brussels sprouts, cut-side down. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown caramelization. Stir and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce and help the ingredients combine.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and allow the cheese to slightly melt.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. The dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet.
Tips
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts and halve them uniformly to ensure even caramelization
- Reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce
- Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt to maximize flavor and texture
- Let Brussels sprouts sit undisturbed initially to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust
- Don't rush the garlic - 30-45 seconds of sautéing is perfect to release its aromatic oils
- For extra richness, use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper
- Serve immediately while the dish is hot to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
