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I'm sharing my go-to comfort meal for chilly days with you guys - velvety pasta with Brussels sprouts and bacon. You just can't resist how the tender sprouts, crispy bacon bits and silky cream sauce come together. Once the aroma fills your kitchen, everyone will be rushing to grab a seat at the dinner table.
A delightful taste harmony
What I really adore about this dish is how everything fits together so wonderfully. The nutty Brussels sprouts and salty bacon create the perfect match. That creamy sauce ties it all into a true comfort meal the whole family will gobble up.
What goes in my pasta
For this dish, I usually grab Penne since the tubes catch the sauce so nicely. I'm picky about my Brussels sprouts - they need to be firm and bright green. I add flavorful bacon for that savory kick. With fresh garlic and good quality cream, the sauce turns out incredibly smooth.
How it's done
I start by cleaning the Brussels sprouts and cutting them in half. They get cooked in salty water until just tender - not too long or they'll lose their beautiful color. I always cook pasta al dente, that's the real secret. The bacon gets fried until nice and crispy for that savory touch. At the end, everything comes together with the smooth sauce coating every bit of pasta.
A dish full of vitality
Brussels sprouts are my winter treasure, packed with great nutrients. Paired with pasta and that creamy sauce, it turns into a real energy booster. Just what you need when it's cold and gloomy outside.
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My top kitchen hacks
I only cook the Brussels sprouts briefly so they keep some bite. The pasta comes out right when it still has some firmness - Italians call this al dente. Sometimes I splash in some white wine to make the sauce extra flavorful.
Always something new
I love trying different twists in my kitchen. Sometimes I top it with toasted walnuts, other times with freshly grated parmesan. For those who like heat, I sprinkle some chili flakes on top. Sautéed mushrooms work great too - it tastes a bit different each time.
A family meal everyone adores
This dish shows up on our table at least once a week. The kids can't get enough of that creamy sauce while the adults love the hearty flavors. Add a fresh salad and some crusty baguette and you've got everything you need for a cozy evening.
Smart storage
Leftovers keep well in the fridge. When reheating, I add a splash of fresh cream to bring back that smooth sauce texture. It often tastes even better the next day because all the flavors have had time to mingle.
The perfect reward after a long day
On busy days, this pasta dish saves me. In just 30 minutes, a wonderful meal that nourishes body and soul sits ready on the table. The rich taste and easy prep make it my go-to classic.
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Tasty even without bacon
For my veggie friends, I skip the bacon. Instead, I toast sunflower seeds or add some smoky tofu. The creamy sauce tastes fantastic this way too, sometimes it's even more interesting.
Fresh herbs are crucial
I grab herbs straight from my garden. Parsley and chives give the dish its final touch. The smell when I sprinkle them on top is just amazing. The green also looks beautiful on the plate.
What I serve alongside
We always have crusty baguette with this meal. The sauce is too good to leave any on your plate. A light salad with lemon dressing makes the meal complete. You need that balance between creamy and fresh.
The right portion for everyone
This recipe feeds four people in our home. For guests, I simply double everything. For romantic dinners for two, I cut everything in half. Adjusting amounts is super easy and the results are always spot-on.
The prime time for Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts taste best from October through February. That's when they have that intense, nutty flavor. I buy mine at the farmers market where they're really fresh. Quality makes all the difference.
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Smart leftover ideas
Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen. Leftover pasta or veggies just jump back into the pan. Sometimes the most creative dishes happen this way. Leftovers turn into new favorite meals.
For special occasions
This dish impresses guests too. The mix of simple and sophisticated always wins fans. When cooking for company, I garnish it extra nicely with fresh herbs. We eat with our eyes first, after all.
Trying new twists
Sometimes I swap pasta for gnocchi. A touch of lemon zest adds a fresh note. I like to play around in my kitchen - each experiment brings new taste adventures.
Extra smooth and flavorful
For an ultra-velvety sauce, I sometimes add a bit of crème fraîche. A spoonful of freshly grated parmesan mixed into the sauce boosts the flavor. These little extras really make it special.
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Quick and wonderfully good
On hectic days, this dish comes to my rescue. In just half an hour, an amazing meal appears on the table. Without much effort, it becomes a feast that makes everyone happy. Just right for everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Woran erkenne ich frischen Rosenkohl?
Schau, dass er fest und ohne gelbe Flecken ist. Die Blätter sollten sattgrün und unverwelkt sein.
- → Welche Pasta passt am besten?
Kurzformen wie Fusilli, Penne oder Farfalle sind super, weil sie die Soße richtig gut aufnehmen.
- → Geht das Ganze auch ohne Speck?
Klar! Du kannst ihn durch Nüsse oder Pilze ersetzen, wenn du es vegetarisch magst.
- → Wie wird die Sauce extra cremig?
Parmesan reinrühren und kurz einkochen lassen – das zaubert eine dickere Konsistenz.
- → Eignet sich auch tiefgefrorener Rosenkohl?
Ja, der geht auch! Lass ihn nur etwas kürzer kochen, da er oft vorblanchiert ist.
Conclusion
Nudeln mit cremiger Soße, speckigem Knusper und mildem Rosenkohl – ideal, wenn es draußen ungemütlich ist.