Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This pesto pasta with chicken sausage and roasted brussels sprouts is a hearty and delicious meal, made healthier with lighter chicken sausage and lots of brussels sprouts.
This pesto pasta with chicken sausage and roasted brussels sprouts is a hearty and delicious meal, made healthier with lighter chicken sausage and lots of brussels sprouts.
- parmesan cheese for serving
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 5 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp. olive oil divided
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 lb fresh brussels sprouts ends trimmed and any yellowed/browned outer leaves removed, then
- 1 lb (16 oz.) orecchiette (or any pasta)
- 4 links (i used spicy italian), sliced into 1/4″ thick coins
- Carbohydrate 12.385505528261 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 10.5050017774754 g
- Fiber 4.50993995476717 g
- Protein 4.25909927641738 g
- Saturated Fat 1.47650181734261 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (244g)
- Sodium 180.886223124668 mg
- Sugar 7.87556557349385 g
- Trans Fat 0.354296817348945 g
- Calories 148 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together brussels sprouts, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper. Gently stir until well-combined.
- Prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spread the brussels sprouts on it evenly.
- Roast for about 20-30 minutes, stirring once partway through, or until they are crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside. (My batch of tiny sprouts only took about 12 minutes to cook.)
- Remove from oven and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until nearly-browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the garlic, and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the sausage is browned.
- Cook the pasta in generously-salted boiling water until al dente according to the package directions. (I begin heating my water while preparing the brussel sprouts, and added the pasta to the boiling water just after beginning to cook the sausage.)
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water (reserving 1/4 cup pasta water), and then toss together the pasta, pesto, cooked sausage and garlic, and brussels sprouts.
- Add in some of the reserved pasta water if needed for extra moisture.
- Serve warm, and sprinkle with freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.
A Weeknight Wonder: Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become a master of quick, yet satisfying, meals. This Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a perfect example. It's ready in under 30 minutes, and the flavor profile is incredibly satisfying—a vibrant blend of savory, earthy, and slightly sweet notes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Roasting the Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful crisp texture. The chicken sausage adds a protein boost without weighing down the meal, and the pesto provides a rich, herbaceous depth of flavor. I often use a store-bought pesto to save time, but feel free to make your own if you're feeling ambitious! The whole dish comes together remarkably quickly; the sprouts roast in the oven while I cook the sausage and pasta, maximizing efficiency.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. I can easily swap out the chicken sausage for another type of sausage, or even add some shrimp or grilled chicken for variety. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta too. Orecchiette is a personal favorite because of its little cup-like shape that perfectly holds the pesto and sauce, but penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work just fine. Sometimes, I even add a handful of spinach or kale to the pasta during the last minute of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
The best part? My kids actually *love* this dish! It's a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables without any complaints. The roasted Brussels sprouts, usually a source of contention in our house, are devoured without hesitation when prepared this way. The slightly sweet and crispy texture is a hit with everyone, and even my picky eater asks for seconds. This recipe has become a staple in our weekly meal rotation, and I highly recommend adding it to your recipe repertoire. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a healthy and delicious meal without the fuss.
Beyond the practicality, this dish offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. The crisp-tender Brussels sprouts contrast beautifully with the soft pasta and juicy sausage. The vibrant green pesto ties everything together, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you feeling both satisfied and energized. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming; it can be quick, delicious, and satisfying.
The secret to a successful weeknight meal isn't just about the recipe itself, but also about the planning and efficiency involved. Having all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking makes the entire process smoother and faster. I typically chop the Brussels sprouts and slice the sausage while the oven preheats, saving valuable time. Small organizational steps like this can make a significant difference in how much you enjoy cooking, even on a busy weeknight.
This Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is more than just a dinner; it’s a testament to the fact that even the busiest schedules can accommodate healthy and delicious meals. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that my family and I thoroughly enjoy. So, try it out—you won’t be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage for a little heat.
- Add some cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty and sharp flavor to the dish.
- Use different greens: Try adding other roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken sausage with your favorite vegetarian sausage.
- Homemade pesto: For an even more flavorful pesto, try making your own from scratch.
