This creamy Brussels Sprout Carbonara instantly earned a place in my family’s regular dinner rotation. You’re going to love this classic Italian comfort food made even more irresistible with one of my favorite veggies.
This is one of those combinations that just makes sense. Pasta carbonara is probably one of the first things a lot of us learned to make, maybe back in college, where easy but satisfying recipes ruled. I love it, but don’t find myself making it so much these days, I guess because it seems a little too simple for a full family meal. But get this — sauteing a whole bunch of shredded Brussels sprouts along with the diced pancetta transforms this plain meal into a really well rounded dish and somehow makes it even more cravable. It’s a great way to introduce kids to Brussels sprouts, too, because their flavor and texture are toned down.
TIP: Cut the sprouts in little wedges instead of shredding them if you’d like more texture. Just make sure to saute them a little longer.
This is a 30 minute meal, too, here’s the timetable ~
0-15 minutes: Set the pasta water on to boil. Put the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile thinly slice the green leafy parts of the sprouts and discard the stem ends. When the pancetta is crisp, add the Brussels sprouts to the pan and saute just until the sprouts soften and turn bright green.
15-30 minutes: Add the pasta to the boiling water. Beat the eggs with 1/2 of the cheese and set aside. When the pasta is done, lift it from the water right into the pan and toss with the egg mixture, remaining cheese, and a little of the pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce. Toss over the heat until everything is piping hot, and season with lots of fresh ground pepper.
Brussels Sprout Carbonara isn’t a fancy, complicated, or even particularly pretty dish, but it’s good old fashioned homey food that really hits the spot. We had this meal, and the leftovers, for a couple of days and we’re hooked. I highly recommend you try it.
Recipe adapted from Skinnytaste.
Brussels Sprout Carbonara
Ingredients
- 5 ounce package of pancetta, already cut in small dice
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 3/4 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, or an Italian blend, divided
- handful of fresh chopped parsley
- lots of fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Put a big pot of salted water on the stove to boil.
- Thinly slice the green parts of the sprouts, and discard the stems.
- In a large skillet, saute the pancetta until crispy. Add the Brussels sprouts and saute for just a few minutes until the sprouts have turned bright green and have softened a bit.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup beat the eggs well. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese.
- When the pasta is just al dente (usually a minute or two BEFORE the package says so) remove from the pot with tongs directly into the skillet with the sprouts, it’s ok if a little of the pasta water gets in there too, it will help make the sauce creamy.
- Toss the pasta with the brussels sprouts and pancetta to combine, and then with the egg mixture, and the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese, making sure to get everything evenly coated. The eggs will cook as you toss the pasta over the heat. Serve asap with the parsley and lots of fresh cracked black pepper.
notes:
- I buy my pancetta (or Italian bacon) already diced, which saves time.
- Add garlic and or red pepper flakes as additional seasonings if that appeals to you.
- If you really really really don’t like Brussels sprouts, try this with asparagus, broccoli, or kale.
don’t forget to pin this Brussels Sprout Carbonara!
This dish was VERY tasty! Can it be frozen? We have a baby on the way and I am trying to freeze meals.
I don’t usually freeze pasta Leah, sorry, so I can’t be of much help here. This dish is fairly easy to prepare, so I might suggest not bothering to make this particular one ahead. Good luck with the new baby!!
I can totally have my kids devour this without minding the greens at all. Amazing Sue!
You could do this with broccoli, too Katherine.
Love this! But, to be truthful, I’d be the guy browning the edges of all those sprouts strips. Slightly sautéed just doesn’t have enough oomph to say dinner.
That’s why I mention the option to cut them in wedges — you could get some browning on those — roasted Brussels sprouts are unbelievable, I agree!
I love every version of carbonara and this is particularly luscious. GREG
🙂
Loving this beautiful dish, Sue. It’s funny because I often think the same thing when the idea of carbonara pops into my head – too simple. Well, simple is best and when you add gorgeous fresh veggies, it rules! A great dish!
What a heavenly meal you have created Sue, my husband loves Brussel sprouts. Pinned!
Great Idea! Pinned.
Sue, just had to Pin this one! Sending it to the top of my must-make-soon list!
Yum! Looks like jazzed up Straw and Hay! I just saw new Brussels sprouts at the market! It’s almost time for all those autumn dishes! This one’s going into the rotation!
I didn’t know what Straw and Hay was, had to google it! Hope you like this one, Susan 🙂
I recently made an Orecchiette charred brussel sprout carbonara and it’s on our fave list too..must compare..So delicious! And have to make again soon:)
Oh Monique I need to check out your recipe, charring is always a good thing in my book!