Spaghetti with Spicy Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Bacon makes everything better. It’s true. At least in my world. Pairing bacon with Brussels Sprouts and pasta well that was inevitable in my house. Sadly, Brussels Sprouts tend to get a bad wrap. If I was a betting girl, I’d bet that those people planted firmly in the dislike camp were served Brussels sprouts at one point in their life that were boiled to a soggy sphere state. Which is GROSS.
I’ve had them that way (thanks Mom) and until I started roasting and sauteing them I was also stubbornly planted in the dislike camp. I’ve since proudly defected and am in the bring on the Brussels camp. Roasting and sauteing is the way to go. Adding all that to pasta and give it a zip of zest and a sprinkling of spice well it’s just really really nice.
Y’all know I love my pasta. While I adore all cuts of pasta, there’s something special about being able to twirl sumptuous strands of spaghetti around a fork that get’s me going. We’ve used Dreamfields spaghetti for this dish. Did you know that Dreamfields pasta is made using durum wheat grown by over 1,000 American farmers? Sure is.
It’s also authentic pasta with 5 grams of dietary fiber per serving – 2.5 times more than traditional pasta. Healthy pasta that tastes like traditional pasta. Sign me up.
To keep things on the healthy side around our house, I try to add as many veggies as I can to our meals (including those with pasta). Which brings us back to the beautiful Brussels for this dish. Brussels are easy to shave. You can do that with a food processor (which let’s be honest you’ll have to clean afterwards and you know how much I hate cleaning), you can slice them with a knife OR you can buy them already shaved. Ding. Ding. Ding. Options there you go.
Did I mention you can have this dish on the table in less than 30 minutes?
Dreamfields is currently hosting a PINTEREST CONTEST and since we know how much you like to PIN here’s the info …
DREAMFIELDS HEALTHY PASTA UNVEILS “LBB FOR A HEALTHIER ME” CONTEST ON PINTEREST. Pinners can enter for a chance to win pasta, cash and more
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 5, 2015—New Year’s resolutions are typically long forgotten by the time the Groundhog looks for his shadow. So Dreamfields Pasta – the “little black box (LBB)” in the pasta aisle – is reigniting motivation with the launch of its “LBB for a Healthier Me” contest on Pinterest this month.
For the month of February, participants are encouraged to arrange photos onto a special Pinterest board to showcase simple ways to make life a little bit healthier . . . and keep those resolutions alive. Pins can include healthy pasta recipes, exercises, fun activities and inspirational messages, and anything that inspires long-term commitment to wellness.
“Small steps, like choosing a high fiber pasta like Dreamfields, are most effective in making healthy changes that last a lifetime,” said Liz Housman, director of marketing for Dreamfields pasta. “Just like a LBD (Little Black Dress) is the foundation to a well-rounded wardrobe, Dreamfields’ LBB (Little Black Box) is the foundation to a healthier diet.”
Participating in the contest is easy. Users can log in to their personal Pinterest accounts and add as many photos to their contest board as desired. Contest entry captions should explain how each image contributes to pinners’ goals, using at least one of the official program hashtags–#HealthyPasta, #LittleBlackBox or #DreamfieldsPinterestContest. Entries are official once participants submit their name, email and contest board URL at www.TryDreamfields.com/Contest . The contest’s official rules and a link to a coupon are also available on that page. To begin your search for healthier pasta inspiration, visit Dreamfields on Pinterest. www.TryDreamfields.com/contest
Baci!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Dreamfields. I was compensated for my time. Opinions are my own. Always have been. Always will be.
What You Will Need:
- 1 pound Dreamfields Spaghetti
- kosher salt/pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 slices bacon - diced
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- 9 ounces shaved brussels sprouts
- zest 1 lemon
- lemon olive oil to drizzle - optional
What To Do:
- Place a large pot of salted water onto boil. When boiling, add spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water prior to draining. Drain. Set aside.
- WHILE pasta is cooking, into a large saute pan heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, remove from pan. Set bacon aside.
- To pan add garlic, chili pepper. Stir and cook for approximately 1 minute. Add Brussels sprouts and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water. Cook until brussels have softened. Stirring as necessary.
- Add drained pasta to saute pan. Toss to coat. Return bacon to pan. Garnish with drizzle of lemon oil if desired.
Angie says
This looks so amazing. I think it will even convert my husband to a Brussels sprout lover!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom says
I wonder why Brussels have gotten such a bad rap? Maybe too many people just never had a fabulous recipe like this to win them over. I too believe everything is better with bacon, Amen sista!
Stephanie @ Back for Seconds says
I love Brussels Sprouts and this looks amazing!
The Food Hunter says
I love your pasta nests
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I love the way you served these. Pretty spiffy. Gives them a
special ‘twist’. Okay it’s a lame pun. Tasty recipe too.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
We are on a BIG brussels sprouts kick right now, so this is definitely being made, soon!
Lora @cakeduchess says
I am a Brussels sprout fan!! Maybe I’m the only one around here, but pass me a fork and a plate of this gorgeous pasta dish!
Heather // girlichef says
Yes, I loved shaved brussels sprouts, and with a bit of caramelization – SO good. And of course, with bacon! This spaghetti sounds delicious.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
Brusse spouts do get s bad wrap! But they are amazing with bacon! This pasta would be a hit in my house!
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
Brussels sprouts rock!! Especially with bacon. And pasta. This looks so yummy.
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Girl…we need to compare war stories on those boiled-to-death sprouts of our youth…Blech!
My 10 year old eats Brussels sprouts and bacon as her meal once a week – she’s obsessed. She LOVES pasta, so why did I never think to combine the 2 for her?? YOu my friend are so smart! Thank you for a great dish!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Everything about this pasta is calling my name! Brussels sprouts, bacon and red pepper….call me sold!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I love Dreamfields spaghetti, and I especieally love that you’ve added Brussles sprouts and bacon to it!
Amanda @ The Kitcheneer says
I agree with you on all counts! Bacon DOES make everything better and so does adding more veggies in your pasta to make it well rounded! Looks fantastic!
Meredith In Sock Monkey Slippers says
Shut the front door! I need this in my life
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
Hey, I got through! 🙂
And this spaghetti looks awesome. I’ve never tried Brussels sprouts but I suppose I should give them a chance!
Liren says
Okay, you’ve put all my favorite things in one dish. Yes!