Creamy Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Crispy Bacon: An Irresistible Weeknight Dinner

Indulge in this effortlessly delicious Creamy Brussels Sprouts Pasta, the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe masterfully combines tender, lemony Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – in this pasta, they are transformed into a delectable highlight.

Ingredients and Thoughtful Substitutions

Crafting this delicious Creamy Brussels Sprouts Pasta starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients, but don’t fret if you need to make a few adjustments. This dish is forgiving and versatile, allowing for several smart substitutions without compromising too much on flavor or texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to your pantry or dietary preferences:

• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the Brussels sprouts and building the flavor base. While extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely note, any neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil, canola oil, or even vegetable oil will work effectively.
• Brussels sprouts: The undeniable star of this pasta dish! Their slightly bitter, nutty flavor, especially when caramelized, is what makes this recipe truly special. For best results, ensure they are thinly shaved or finely sliced for quicker cooking and better integration into the sauce. If Brussels sprouts aren’t available or you’re looking for a change, you can certainly try making this dish with other robust vegetables like broccoli florets, chopped kale, or asparagus. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the most pungent and aromatic flavor, deeply infusing the dish with its savory essence. However, if you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic from a jar is a convenient alternative. Just be aware that its flavor might be slightly less intense.
• Salt & pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Always add them to taste, adjusting throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper will offer a more vibrant kick than pre-ground.
• Lemon: The fresh juice from half a lemon adds a vital bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich cream sauce and the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts. If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice can be used, though fresh is always recommended for its superior brightness.
• Chili flakes: Also known as red pepper flakes, these are entirely optional but highly recommended for a subtle warmth and a gentle kick that elevates the entire dish. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of spice.
• Turkey bacon: Leaner than traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon offers a smoky, savory crunch without adding excessive calories. For a more indulgent flavor and crispier texture, regular pork bacon can be used. Just keep in mind it will increase the fat and calorie count slightly. Ensure it’s cooked until delightfully crispy before crumbling.
• Linguine: This long, flat pasta is fantastic for clinging to the creamy sauce. However, feel free to swap it out for another pasta variety of your choice. Fettuccine, spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni would work beautifully.
• Heavy cream: This is the secret to achieving that luxurious, velvety creamy sauce. If you’re looking to lighten the dish slightly, you can use half-and-half, but be aware that the pasta won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not a carton) or a rich oat or cashew cream can be used, but the flavor profile will shift, and it might not be as thick.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is indispensable for the authentic flavor and richness of the sauce. It melts beautifully and adds a salty, umami depth. For a fantastic dairy-free substitute, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and can be incorporated into the sauce or sprinkled on top.

How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Pasta in 6 Easy Steps

Making this creamy Brussels sprouts pasta is straightforward and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. This is the key to a smooth and stress-free cooking experience. Thinly slice or shave your Brussels sprouts, mince the garlic, and measure out your cream and cheese. Having everything at hand means you can move seamlessly from one step to the next.
2. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – tender with a slight bite. This usually takes about 9-10 minutes. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for emulsifying the sauce and achieving extra creaminess. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop a beautiful golden-brown color on the edges. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using). Continue to sauté for another 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant and the lemon brightens the sprouts. Remove the sprouts from the heat and set them aside.
4. Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a separate pan (or clean the skillet you used for the sprouts), cook the turkey bacon over medium-high heat until it’s crispy and cooked through. Turkey bacon typically cooks in about 5 minutes, while thicker-cut pork bacon might take 5-10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Let it cool slightly, then chop it into small, crunchy pieces.
5. Make the Sauce and Combine: Return the cooked pasta to the empty pot (or a large bowl). Add the reserved pasta water, the sautéed Brussels sprouts, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every strand of pasta beautifully. The pasta water helps create a luscious, cohesive sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy!: Divide the creamy Brussels sprouts pasta among serving bowls. Garnish each portion generously with the crispy chopped bacon and an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese. A dash of chili flakes for those who like more heat can also be added. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!

Are Brussels Sprouts Really Good for You? The Nutritional Powerhouse

Absolutely, Brussels sprouts are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy! Often misunderstood, these mini cabbages are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. Incorporating them into your diet, especially in a tempting dish like this creamy pasta, is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake.

Here’s a deeper dive into their health benefits:

• Vitamin A: Crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Folate: Essential for cell growth and function, DNA synthesis, and is particularly important during pregnancy.
• Calcium: The building block for strong bones and teeth, also playing a role in muscle function and nerve signaling.
• Iron: Vital for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing fatigue and anemia.
• Potassium: An important electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, contributing to healthy blood pressure.
• Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen production for healthy skin, and helps protect cells from damage.

Beyond these specific nutrients, Brussels sprouts are also exceptionally high in fiber. Dietary fiber is well-known for promoting excellent digestive health, preventing constipation, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Furthermore, they are rich in various antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

So, yes, adding Brussels sprouts to your pasta is not just about enhancing the flavor; it’s a clever and delicious way to sneak some truly healthy vegetables into an otherwise indulgent and comforting dish! You get to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal while simultaneously nourishing your body with vital nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Storing and Reheating Your Brussels Sprouts Pasta

While this yummy pasta is so delicious you might not have any leftovers, it’s always good to know how to properly store and reheat it to maintain its quality. If you find yourself with extra servings of this creamy Brussels sprouts pasta, you can easily store individual portions in airtight glass containers or meal prep bowls in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days, making it an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or dinners throughout the week.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, proper reheating is key to preserving the creamy texture. For microwave reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water or milk over the pasta before heating. This helps to rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly heated. If you prefer reheating on the stovetop, transfer the pasta to a pot and warm it over medium heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or even a bit of vegetable broth as needed to restore its creamy consistency. Stir gently and continuously until the pasta is hot and the sauce is smooth. Once reheated, garnish with some fresh Parmesan and dig in for another delightful meal!

Freezing This Recipe: What You Need to Know

Due to the cream-based sauce, I generally wouldn’t recommend freezing this Brussels sprouts pasta. Cream sauces tend to separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating, which significantly impacts the texture and overall enjoyment of the dish. The heavy cream can break down, leaving you with an oily, unappealing sauce rather than the smooth, luscious one you started with. For the best culinary experience, I highly recommend making and enjoying this pasta fresh. However, if you’re determined to freeze components, you could potentially cook and freeze the bacon and Brussels sprouts separately, then combine them with freshly cooked pasta and sauce when you’re ready to eat.

More Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with Brussels sprouts after trying this pasta, you’ll be thrilled to discover how versatile and delicious they can be in other dishes. These recipes showcase different ways to prepare and enjoy this fantastic vegetable, from crispy sides to fresh salads:

• Crispiest Garlic Parm Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Achieve perfectly crispy, flavor-packed Brussels sprouts with minimal effort using your air fryer. A fantastic side dish!
• Easiest Ever Brussels Sprouts Salad: A light and refreshing way to enjoy raw Brussels sprouts, often combined with complementary flavors and a zesty dressing.
• More Delicious & Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipes: Dive into a collection of even more innovative and simple recipes that highlight the incredible potential of Brussels sprouts.

Essential Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe

To make your cooking and meal prepping experience as smooth as possible, consider having these helpful tools on hand:

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this creamy pasta into delicious leftovers. They’re excellent for storing and reheating, ensuring your meals stay fresh.
• A large, high-quality skillet or Dutch oven for sautéing the Brussels sprouts and combining the pasta and sauce.
• A sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer for thinly shaving the Brussels sprouts will make prep much faster and ensure even cooking.
• A sturdy cutting board.
• A large pot for cooking the pasta.