Rotini with Brussels Sprouts and Blue Cheese

Prepare to be captivated by the bold and rich flavors of this delectable dish featuring thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, creamy sauce, and tangy blue cheese. The combination of tender Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and velvety cream creates a satisfying and indulgent pasta that will leave you wanting more. When selecting Brussels sprouts, opt for small and firm ones with a diameter of about 1 inch for the best results. To streamline the preparation process, a food processor can be used to slice the Brussels sprouts quickly and efficiently. Get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible pasta dish that balances the earthy notes of Brussels sprouts with the luxurious creaminess of the sauce and the tangy kick of blue cheese.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced thin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (1 cup)
• 1 pound rotini
• ¼ cup pine nuts toasted

PREPARATIONS:

1. Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until the Brussels sprouts begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, cover the skillet, and simmer until the Brussels sprouts are tender, about 3 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled blue cheese.
5. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rotini and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it is al dente.
6. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
7. Add the Brussels sprouts mixture and the bacon to the pot with the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
8. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, gradually add the reserved cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
9. Sprinkle each individual portion with toasted pine nuts before serving.

TIPS:

• Choose small and firm Brussels sprouts for this recipe, as they work best.
• To save time on slicing the Brussels sprouts, use a food processor.

YIELD:

• This recipe serves 4 to 6.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 749
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 27g
• Cholesterol: 132mg
• Sodium: 1187mg
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 21g

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this bold and rich pasta dish featuring thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, creamy sauce, and tangy blue cheese. The combination of tender Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and velvety cream creates a luxurious and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds. The earthy and slightly bitter notes of the Brussels sprouts are beautifully balanced by the creamy sauce, while the crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy and savory kick. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Don’t forget to sprinkle the individual portions with toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch that complements the dish perfectly. With its rich and comforting qualities, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness of this Brussels sprouts and blue cheese pasta and savor every moment.