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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like an impossible task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and household chores, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. But I refuse to let my hectic schedule compromise my family's nutrition. That's why I've become a master of quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meals, and this Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a prime example.
This recipe is a true lifesaver. It's packed with flavor, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy. The roasted Brussels sprouts add a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the savory chicken sausage and creamy pesto. The best part? It's all done in under 30 minutes, even on my busiest evenings. I've learned to streamline my cooking process over the years; I often start the water boiling for the pasta while I'm prepping the Brussels sprouts and sausage. Multitasking is my secret weapon in the kitchen!
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage adds a kick, while a milder variety keeps things more family-friendly. I’ve even used turkey sausage on occasion to lower the fat content further, and the flavour is still great! You can also adjust the amount of pesto to your liking; more pesto equals a richer, creamier sauce. And don't be afraid to get creative with your vegetables; Adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of spinach would elevate this dish to a whole new level.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how satisfying it is. The combination of protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the olive oil and pesto keeps me full and energized for hours. It’s a complete meal that fuels my busy days without leaving me feeling sluggish or bloated. Plus, the roasted Brussels sprouts provide a good dose of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
This Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's proof that even on the busiest of nights, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that your entire family will love. So, the next time you're short on time but don't want to sacrifice flavor or health, give this recipe a try. It's guaranteed to become a weeknight staple in your household.
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe's simplicity extends beyond just the cooking process. The ingredients are readily available, making it an easy meal to plan for. I often buy my Brussels sprouts in bulk and store them in the fridge for easy access. The same goes for the pasta and sausage; keeping these staples in your pantry minimizes last-minute grocery store runs. This recipe is a cornerstone of my efficient meal-planning strategy; knowing I have a quick and easy meal like this in my repertoire eliminates the stress of figuring out dinner on a busy day.
The leftovers are also fantastic! I often pack them in my lunch for the next day, enjoying the same delicious flavors without the effort of preparing a new meal. This extends the value of the recipe beyond a single dinner, further optimizing my time and energy. In a world where time is a precious commodity, efficient meal preparation is key, and this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ultimately, this recipe represents a balance of convenience, health, and deliciousness. It is a testament to the fact that nourishing meals don't need to be time-consuming or complicated; they just require a bit of planning and a touch of culinary creativity. I highly recommend this recipe to any busy individual or family looking for a fast, healthy, and flavorful dinner option. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a cherished addition to your dinner rotation.
