Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: An Irresistible & Easy Weeknight Pasta

For those who cherish the comforting embrace of pasta, the aromatic kick of garlic, or the savory crunch of bacon—or perhaps all three—our recipe for Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon is an absolute must-add to your culinary repertoire. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, promising a deeply satisfying dinner that’s both quick to prepare and gourmet in taste.

The name “Orecchiette” charmingly translates to “little ears” in Italian, and this unique pasta shape is far more than just aesthetically pleasing. Its concave design creates the perfect miniature cup to capture and cradle every luscious morsel of the garlicky mixture, the tender-crisp shredded Brussels sprouts, and the delightful fragments of savory bacon. This ensures that each “little ear” delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, making every bite a truly exquisite experience.

Our cooking approach focuses on building rich, layered flavors from the ground up. We begin by rendering strips of bacon until they achieve a glorious crispness, setting the stage with an intensely savory base and infusing the pan with a golden, flavorful fat. This precious bacon fat, complemented by a touch of premium extra-virgin olive oil, becomes the ideal medium for gently sautéing sweet onions until they soften and turn translucent, followed by pungent garlic, releasing its unmistakable aroma. The star vegetables, finely shredded Brussels sprouts, are then introduced, transforming through light caramelization into tender, slightly sweet gems with beautiful browned edges. A splash of balsamic vinegar is then added, a crucial step that deglazes the pan and introduces a vibrant tangy note, cutting through the richness and elevating the entire flavor profile. Finally, the perfectly cooked orecchiette is tossed into this fragrant medley, absorbing all the wonderful juices and aromas.

To crown this simple yet elegant creation, a generous showering of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese melts into the warm pasta, lending its salty, nutty, and umami-rich essence, binding all the components into a cohesive masterpiece. This dish is so complete and fulfilling that it requires little else. A crisp, refreshing green salad serves as the perfect light counterpoint, while a chilled glass of dry Riesling or a crisp pale lager makes for an exceptional beverage pairing, enhancing the savory depths of the pasta without overwhelming it. Prepare to make this orecchiette with Brussels sprouts and bacon a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

Why This Brussels Sprouts Bacon Pasta Will Become Your Go-To Meal

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a culinary triumph designed for modern living. Here’s why this Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon will quickly earn a permanent spot on your weekly dinner rotation:

• A Symphony of Flavors: The dish perfectly balances savory (bacon), sweet (caramelized onions and sprouts), pungent (garlic), and tangy (balsamic vinegar) notes, creating a complex yet incredibly approachable taste. The nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano ties it all together beautifully.
• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its sophisticated flavor, this meal is surprisingly simple to execute. With clear instructions and a prep time of just 15 minutes, followed by a mere 25 minutes of cooking, you can impress guests or treat your family to a gourmet experience in under an hour.
• Wholesome and Satisfying: Combining hearty pasta, protein-rich bacon and cheese, and nutrient-dense Brussels sprouts, this dish provides a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal that leaves you feeling comfortably full without being overly heavy.
• Adaptable to Your Taste: This recipe offers a fantastic foundation for creativity. Whether you want to add more vegetables, experiment with different proteins, or adjust the spice level, it’s remarkably forgiving and open to customization.
• A Clever Way to Enjoy Vegetables: Even those who are typically skeptical of Brussels sprouts find them irresistible in this context. Shredding and caramelizing the sprouts eliminates any potential bitterness, integrating them seamlessly into the beloved pasta and bacon pairing. It’s a delicious way to boost your vegetable intake.

Key Ingredients for a Standout Orecchiette Pasta with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully selected components, each playing a vital role in creating a truly memorable dish. Prioritizing fresh, high-quality ingredients will undoubtedly yield the best results for your Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon.

The Star Players & Their Roles:

• Fresh Brussels Sprouts (1 lb): These cruciferous powerhouses are transformed from potentially bitter greens into tender, sweet, and lightly caramelized delights. Choosing firm, vibrant green sprouts with tightly packed leaves is key. Shredding them thinly, either with a food processor or a sharp knife, ensures rapid cooking and a delicate texture that blends seamlessly with the pasta.
• Orecchiette Pasta (8 ounces): The iconic “little ears” pasta is more than just a charming shape. Its unique concavity is perfectly engineered to scoop up and hold the savory sauce, crispy bacon bits, and shredded Brussels sprouts, delivering a burst of flavor in every forkful. If unavailable, smaller pasta shapes like cavatappi or campanelle can be alternatives, but orecchiette provides a distinctive texture.
• Thick-Cut Bacon (8 slices): Beyond its irresistible flavor, bacon is crucial for its rendered fat, which forms the rich, savory base for sautéing the aromatics and sprouts. Opt for a good quality, thick-cut bacon that will crisp up beautifully and contribute substantial texture to the final dish.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This versatile oil works alongside the bacon fat to create the ideal sautéing medium, imparting its characteristic fruity and sometimes peppery notes, ensuring even cooking and a luscious mouthfeel.
• Sweet Onion (1 cup, chopped): Preferably a Vidalia or similar sweet onion, when sautéed until translucent and lightly caramelized, it develops a deep sweetness that complements the savory bacon and earthy sprouts, creating a fundamental layer of flavor.
• Garlic (4 to 6 cloves, minced): The backbone of nearly all great pasta dishes, generous minced garlic provides an indispensable aromatic depth and pungent warmth. Its fragrance will permeate the entire dish, making it truly irresistible.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for enhancing the natural flavors of each ingredient at every stage of cooking, from seasoning the pasta water to finishing the dish.
• Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon): This might seem like an unexpected twist, but a high-quality balsamic vinegar is a game-changer. It deglazes the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits, and adds a crucial tangy, slightly sweet acidity that brightens the overall profile and balances the richness.
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup): The ultimate finishing touch, Parmigiano-Reggiano offers a salty, nutty, and deeply savory umami flavor. When stirred into the warm pasta, it melts slightly, adding a creamy texture and unifying all the ingredients. Always opt for fresh block cheese and grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture.

Crafting Your Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: A Comprehensive Guide

This recipe is engineered for success, guiding you through each step to create a dish that tastes complex but is surprisingly simple to achieve. Follow these instructions precisely for a perfect Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon every time.

No ratings yet

Orecchiette With Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

By
Lynne Webb

This deliciously garlicky combination of caramelized onion, shredded Brussels sprouts and pasta makes a satisfying dinner that’s fast and easy to prepare.

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

25 minutes
mins

Total:

40 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
servings

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
• 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 8 slices bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• Olive oil
• 1 cup onion, preferably sweet, chopped
• 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions

• Trim the ends and outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts, then rinse them and pat dry with paper towels.
• Process the sprouts using the shredding disk of your food processor or cut them into very thin slices by hand and separate them into shreds. Set aside.
• Put a large pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.
• Fry the bacon until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan.
• Put the pan back on the stove over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
• Start adding the Brussels sprouts, a handful a time, letting each addition wilt slightly before adding more. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook, stirring often, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and just beginning to caramelize, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Drizzle the sprouts with the vinegar and add the reserved bacon and a bit more olive oil if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
• Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Return the pasta to the pot, add the Brussels sprouts and toss to combine. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid, then add the cheese and combine once again.
• Serve immediately and pass extra cheese at the table if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 356,
Total Fat: 16g,
Cholesterol: 34mg,
Sodium: 715mg,
Carbohydrates: 36g,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 6g,
Protein: 19g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Detailed Cooking Tips and Insights for Each Step

To truly master this Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon recipe, paying attention to these detailed tips for each stage will ensure optimal flavor and texture:

1. Brussels Sprouts Preparation is Key: Begin by carefully trimming the tough stem ends of your Brussels sprouts and removing any loose or yellowed outer leaves. A thorough rinse and pat dry are crucial; any excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of caramelize. Shredding them finely (using a food processor with a shredding disk is fastest, but a sharp knife works too) is paramount. This smaller size ensures they cook quickly and tenderly, losing any potential bitterness and developing a delightful sweetness when sautéed.
2. Perfectly Salted Pasta Water: Think of the pasta water as the first layer of seasoning for your dish. It should be generously salted, tasting like the sea. Use a large pot filled with plenty of water to give the orecchiette ample room to move, preventing it from clumping and allowing for even cooking to an ideal al dente texture – firm to the bite.
3. Achieving Crispy Bacon: For impeccably crispy bacon, start it in a cold pan over medium heat. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan, as this will trap steam and lead to limp bacon. Once golden brown and crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, preserving its delightful crunch for the final dish.
4. Leveraging Flavorful Bacon Fat: The rendered bacon fat is a powerhouse of flavor. Drain off most of it, leaving about two tablespoons in the pan. This will serve as the aromatic foundation for your sauce. If you have less than two tablespoons, supplement with extra-virgin olive oil. If you have more, reserve the excess for future savory cooking.
5. Sautéing Aromatics with Precision: With the bacon fat and a splash of olive oil in the pan over medium heat, add the chopped sweet onion. Sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4-6 minutes. This gentle cooking allows the onion’s natural sugars to caramelize, adding depth. Introduce the minced garlic during the last minute of the onion’s cooking; garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked. This brief sauté is enough to release its powerful fragrance and infuse the cooking fat.
6. Caramelizing the Brussels Sprouts: Gradually add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the pan, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to wilt slightly before adding more. This prevents the pan’s temperature from dropping too drastically, ensuring the sprouts sauté rather than steam. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper throughout this process. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sprouts are tender-crisp and begin to develop beautiful golden-brown caramelized edges, typically 5-7 minutes.
7. The Balsamic Finish: Once the Brussels sprouts reach their tender, caramelized peak, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar. It will sizzle and quickly deglaze the pan, incorporating any flavorful browned bits into the sauce. This adds a vital layer of tangy acidity that brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the bacon. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon at this point. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; a pinch more salt or pepper can truly enhance the flavors. Reduce the heat to low to keep the mixture warm while the pasta finishes cooking.
8. Al Dente Pasta and Starchy Pasta Water: Cook the orecchiette according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender with a slight resistance when bitten. Before draining, critically, reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid. This “liquid gold” is essential for emulsifying the sauce, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta and creating a creamy, cohesive texture without adding actual cream.
9. Harmonious Combination: Return the drained pasta to its pot. Add the warm Brussels sprout and bacon mixture. Begin by stirring in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. The starch in the water will work its magic, forming a light, glossy sauce. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The residual heat of the pasta will gently melt the cheese, further enriching the sauce with its salty, nutty goodness.
10. Serving with Gusto: Serve the Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon immediately while it’s hot, allowing the textures of the crisp bacon and tender sprouts to shine. Offer extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano at the table for those who desire an additional cheesy flourish. This dish is truly best enjoyed fresh.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions for Your Orecchiette Dish

While this Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon is a deliciously complete and satisfying meal on its own, a few thoughtful additions can elevate your dining experience, making it even more special:

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple, vibrant green salad, perhaps with a light lemon vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory notes of the pasta. Ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced cucumber work wonderfully.
• Artisan Bread: A crusty loaf of artisan bread, such as a rustic baguette or a fragrant focaccia, is perfect for soaking up any remaining delicious garlicky sauce. Garlic bread is always a welcome companion for a pasta dish.
• Elegant Wine Pairings:
  • Dry Riesling: Its crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes beautifully cut through the richness of the bacon and complement the caramelized sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
  • Pinot Noir: For red wine enthusiasts, a light-bodied Pinot Noir offers earthy undertones and soft tannins that harmonize wonderfully with the savory and slightly sweet components of the dish.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its vibrant citrus and herbaceous notes can also provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Craft Beer Selections:
  • Pale Lager: A clean, crisp pale lager provides a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs well with the savory elements without competing with them.
  • Belgian Saison: A Saison offers a dry, fruity, and slightly spicy profile that can beautifully complement the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts and the richness of the bacon.
• Light Dessert: Conclude your meal with something light and fresh, such as a bowl of mixed berries, a simple fruit tart, or a scoop of lemon sorbet, to cleanse the palate after the savory pasta.

Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Variations & Customizations

This Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon recipe is a masterpiece in its original form, yet its robust flavor profile makes it an incredibly versatile canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to adapt the dish to your taste, pantry, or dietary preferences:

• Adding More Vegetables:
  • Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms alongside the onions and garlic to add an extra layer of earthy umami.
  • Leafy Greens: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach, Swiss chard, or finely chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking the sprouts for added nutrients and color.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in a quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) with the balsamic vinegar for a concentrated burst of sweet-tart flavor.
  • Roasted Butternut Squash: For a seasonal twist, roast small cubes of butternut squash separately until tender and slightly caramelized, then fold them into the pasta at the end.
• Protein Power-Ups:
  • Italian Sausage: Brown a pound of sweet or spicy Italian sausage (removed from its casing and crumbled) before frying the bacon, and add it back to the pan with the bacon and sprouts.
  • Grilled Chicken: Sauté diced chicken breast or thigh after the bacon, or incorporate leftover shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Shrimp: Quickly sautéed shrimp can be a fantastic and elegant addition. Add them at the very end and cook just until pink to avoid overcooking.
  • Pancetta: For a more traditional Italian flavor, substitute pancetta for bacon. It offers a slightly different, more subtly spiced cured pork taste.
• Cheesy Swaps & Enhancements:
  • Pecorino Romano: For a sharper, saltier kick, use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of or in combination with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  • Smoked Mozzarella: A handful of shredded smoked mozzarella can add a creamy, smoky dimension when stirred into the hot pasta.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle warmth, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. Increase to your preference for more heat.
  • Lemon Zest & Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest at the very end can brighten all the flavors, adding a fresh, zesty finish.
  • Fresh Herbs: Finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a hint of thyme stirred in before serving will add a fragrant, herbaceous note.
  • Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or slivered almonds can provide an additional layer of texture and nutty flavor.
• Making it Vegetarian:
  • To adapt this recipe for vegetarians, simply omit the bacon. Begin by sautéing the onions and Brussels sprouts entirely in extra-virgin olive oil. To replicate some of the smoky, savory depth lost from the bacon, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke, or a generous amount of sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled in for a cheesy, savory flavor if not using Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The Nutritional Power of Brussels Sprouts in Your Pasta Dish

Beyond its incredibly satisfying taste, this Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon dish also boasts impressive nutritional benefits, primarily thanks to the humble yet mighty Brussels sprout. Incorporating these green gems into your diet is a delicious way to boost your health.

• Vitamin Rich: Brussels sprouts are an exceptional source of Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and promoting strong bones. They are also packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant vital for immune function and skin health. Additionally, they provide significant amounts of Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), folate, and several B vitamins, all contributing to overall well-being.
• High in Dietary Fiber: With 5 grams of fiber per serving in this recipe, Brussels sprouts play a key role in supporting digestive health. Fiber aids in regulating bowel movements, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, making this dish incredibly satisfying.
• Potent Antioxidants: These mini-cabbages are laden with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress in the body. These compounds help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases and inflammation.
• Essential Minerals: Brussels sprouts offer a good array of essential minerals, including potassium (important for blood pressure regulation), manganese (involved in bone formation and metabolism), and iron (crucial for oxygen transport in the blood).
• A Balanced & Energy-Sustaining Meal: While bacon adds a rich, savory flavor and some healthy fats, the overall dish is well-balanced. It provides complex carbohydrates from the pasta for sustained energy, protein from the bacon and cheese for muscle health, and a significant boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the Brussels sprouts, making it a truly wholesome and nourishing meal.

Please remember that nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and should always be considered an approximation, as specific values can vary depending on ingredient brands and precise preparation methods.

More Easy Pasta Recipes To Try

• Pasta with Crumbled Sausage and Spinach
• Linguine with Shrimp, Zucchini and Red Bell Pepper

Are you eager to deepen your knowledge of Italian culinary traditions? Explore the fascinating diversity of pasta shapes and discover which ones are best suited for various sauces and dishes. Dive into Types of Pasta Shapes: The Ultimate Guide for an insightful and delicious journey over at NonnaBox.