Linguine with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Shallots
This recipe for Linguine with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Shallots is a simple way to enjoy the delicious flavors of caramelized brussels sprouts with bacon.
We spent last Monday at the Botanic Gardens with the kids. It was a lot of fun, though exhausting because it was 90 degrees without a cloud in sight that day.
On the way home we drove past Whole Foods and decided to stop since I had a list of fruits and vegetables I needed to buy. The nearest Whole Foods is a good 35 minutes from our house so we don’t often go.
Making this recipe for Linguine with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Shallots
We’ve really been working with Logan on trying new foods ever since I found out about all the foods his teacher said he would eat at school during snack time.
Foods he would never eat for us. I told him that anytime he saw a new food at the grocery store that looked interesting he should tell me that he wanted to try it.
This time it was Brussels sprouts. Surprised? Me too!
I knew that by the time we would get home it would be pretty late and we weren’t really that hungry because we had stopped for frozen custard after the Botanic Gardens. But I felt like we needed to eat some real food.
Brussels Sprouts Inspiration
Browsing the How to Cook Everything iPhone app (highly recommend this!) while Eric drove so I could get a head start on dinner, I found a recipe for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Incidentally, Logan has also been asking to try bacon. Who doesn’t want to try bacon?
I decided to turn this simple and quick side dish into an easy main dish for us to eat. Logan didn’t like the Brussels sprouts or bacon, though at least he tried them – that’s a huge improvement!
Madeline only wanted the bacon. And Eric and I loved the whole meal. We even had it again the next day (I needed pictures of the success!) and still loved it.
I never knew that bacon would compliment the sprouts so well and I think the shallots really rounded out the flavors.
I hope the Brussels sprouts in our garden do well so we can enjoy this dish many more times.
More Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic are a fantastic side dish that is full of delicious flavor — caramelized, roasted Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar.
These Maple Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts are the kind of vegetable side dish that has everyone asking for seconds!
Rainbow Winter Quinoa Bowls with Maple Dijon Balsamic Dressing features lots of delicious winter produce, like brussels sprouts, and hearty Organic Tricolor Quinoa for a filling, satisfying meal.
Dinner just got super quick and easy thanks to this Fall Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Roasted Vegetables. It features carrots, golden beets, red onion, Brussels Sprouts, and parsnips.
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Linguine with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Caramelized Shallots
This recipe for Linguine with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Shallots is a simple way to enjoy the delicious flavors of caramelized brussels sprouts with bacon.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces center-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 6 shallots, halved and sliced thin
- 10 ounces linguine, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste (if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Wash the Brussels sprouts. Cut each Brussels sprout into quarters, cutting from the top of the sprout to the bottom (not horizontally). Set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 7-10 minutes. When done, discard about 1/4 of the rendered fat. Keep the remaining in the skillet along with the bacon. Stir in the shallots and saute over medium heat until tender and caramelized, 3-5 minutes.
- Add the sprouts and 1/4 cup of water to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, turn the heat to medium, and cook covered and undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes. Sprouts should be nearly tender.
- When the sprouts are ready, uncover and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook until excess water has evaporated and sprouts have reached desired tenderness – but do not overcook. Remove from heat. Stir in the pasta, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and additional salt (if desired).
- Serve immediately and top with freshly grated Parmesan.
Notes
I prefer center-cut bacon in most all recipes because it has less fat and calories with all the great taste of bacon.
Inspired by How to Cook Everything: 2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 379Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 1020mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 23g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Tickled Red says
That is the perfect end of the day quick meal :)Healthy and delicious.
twistedkitchen says
Wow, that looks so good. Thanks for the idea.
Joanne says
I have been loving mark bittman lately. I swear that man is a genius. This recipe looks fantastic! Brussel sprouts are one of my favorite veggies.
Amy K says
I've never cooked with brussel sprouts before, but after your post & lovely photos (which even has one of my three kiddos intrigued, too!) I'm definitely preparing this within the next week!! I can't wait to try it!! Thanks for sharing & WTG Logan & Madeline for trying it!!
lisa says
Im new to the site and made this dish last night and threw in some asparagus, it was great! Thanks for the recipe
dining sets says
This is really something very good! I want to try this one out! Thanks for the share.
Cherine says
This looks so good!
Amy from She Wears Many Hats says
That's impressive, about Logan trying the sprouts. It does look tasty!
Nina T. says
Ok I just printed this out…..I'm really drooling over here! 😛 Thanks for posting this!!!
Maria says
I love brussel sprouts, I just wish I could get the hubs to eat them:)
Tasty Eats At Home says
Good for him! I'm hoping to take advantage of all the produce at the farmers markets in the coming months, and the kids are going to choose something from the market to use in their cooking. Crossing my fingers that they pick something surprising, like brussels sprouts! This does look great.
Cheeky Kitchen says
Brussels?!!!!!!!!!!!LOVE.I'm all over this recipe tonight. THANK YOU, Katie!
Lyndsey says
This does look good. My daughter liked brussels sprouts way before I even prepared them, she had them at a friend's house. I did learn to like them when I roasted them with balsamic. She eats very well and is now 15 and still tries new things. I always use shallots instead of onions, it's more popular at our house. Thanks for a great recipe!
Nick (Macheesmo) says
Wow. I can't believe he wanted to try brussel sprouts! Most kids despise those! I don't think I even started liking them until I was 20…This dish looks totally delicious.
ABowlOfMush says
Looks like an absolutely gorgeous linguine recipe! 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet says
I love cooking with shallots – one of my favorite ingredients! And bacon, well, I adore it. Perfect dish to me!