Rotini with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Peas

In this unique and satisfying pasta dish, earthy Brussels sprouts and nutty whole-wheat pasta come together to create a depth of flavor that will delight your taste buds. We start by frying bacon until it’s crispy, then sauté sliced Brussels sprouts and shallots in the rendered fat, infusing the dish with smoky bacon goodness. To ensure even cooking, we simmer the sprouts in a mixture of chicken broth and cream, which forms the base of our creamy sauce. Tangy Parmesan cheese adds a sharp note and helps the sauce cling to the pasta, while toasted walnuts provide rich flavor and a delightful crunch. Sweet peas balance out the dish with their natural sweetness. By using small, firm Brussels sprouts and slicing them in a food processor, we save time and ensure they integrate well with the pasta. This unique combination of ingredients creates a pasta dish that is anything but ordinary. Follow the instructions below to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 10 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced thin
• 2 shallots, sliced thin
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 12 ounces whole-wheat rotini
• 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup), plus extra for serving

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a 12-inch skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, which should take about 5 minutes. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the skillet.
2. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts, shallots, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to the remaining fat in the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until the sprouts begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then cover the skillet and simmer until the Brussels sprouts are tender, which should take about 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the thawed peas. Cover and let the mixture sit until the peas are heated through, around 2 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the whole-wheat rotini and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it reaches the desired al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
5. Add the Brussels sprouts mixture, crispy bacon, toasted walnuts, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot with the pasta. Toss the ingredients together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the reserved cooking water as needed to adjust the consistency of the dish.
6. Serve the pasta with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Slicing the Brussels sprouts in a food processor cuts down on preparation time and ensures they integrate well with the pasta.
• Avoid overcooking Brussels sprouts to maintain their texture and freshness.

TIPS:

• Choose small, firm Brussels sprouts (approximately 1 inch in diameter) for the best results in this dish.
• Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

This pasta dish is a delightful departure from traditional recipes, combining earthy Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and nutty whole-wheat pasta to create a unique and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly remarkable, with the smoky bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, creamy sauce, and toasted walnuts providing a harmonious balance. The sweet peas add a burst of freshness to the dish, while the grated Parmesan cheese enhances the overall savory profile. The convenience of using a food processor to slice the Brussels sprouts streamlines the preparation process. This recipe demonstrates that Brussels sprouts can be transformed into a delicious and versatile ingredient that pairs perfectly with pasta. Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Brussels sprouts or simply seeking a flavorful pasta dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Treat yourself to a plate of this Brussels sprouts and whole-wheat pasta dish and savor the wonderful combination of flavors and textures.