Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Looking for a way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals?

Jump to recipePin it
Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts
Servings
4

Method

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat.

  2. Add the brussels sprout leaves in batches and cook for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are charred in spots and crisp-tender. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

  3. Wipe out the skillet.

  4. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5 minutes for fresh pasta.

  5. Drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.

  6. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.

  7. Add the guanciale and cook, stirring often, until it becomes slightly crisp, which usually takes about 4 minutes.

  8. Add the pepper and cook, stirring, until it becomes fragrant, which usually takes about 30 seconds.

  9. Immediately add ½ cup of the pasta cooking liquid to prevent the pepper from burning.

  10. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the butter, swirling the skillet and adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed. Keep doing this until a thick, glossy sauce forms. Make sure to taste the sauce as you go and switch to hot water once it is adequately seasoned.

  11. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat it with the sauce.

  12. Add the P

About this recipe

Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts: A Tasty Twist

Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Looking for a way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals? Look no further than Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts! This mouthwatering dish combines the creamy richness of carbonara sauce with the smoky flavor of charred Brussels sprouts, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination that will leave you craving more.

The Perfect Pasta

Orecchiette, which means "little ears" in Italian, is the perfect pasta shape for this dish. Its small, concave shape allows the carbonara sauce to cling to each piece, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The slightly chewy texture of the orecchiette adds a satisfying bite to the dish, making it even more enjoyable to eat.

A Twist on Tradition

While classic carbonara is typically made with pancetta or bacon, we're adding a twist by substituting charred Brussels sprouts. The caramelized edges of the sprouts add a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy carbonara sauce. Plus, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, making this dish a healthy and delicious choice.

The Creamy Carbonara Sauce

Carbonara sauce is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta or bacon, it creates a velvety coating for the pasta. The addition of the charred Brussels sprouts adds a smoky note that takes this sauce to a whole new level. It's a combination that you won't be able to resist.

How to Make Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts

Making this dish is easier than you might think. Start by cooking the orecchiette according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, char the Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet until they are slightly browned and tender. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the egg mixture until well coated. Finally, stir in the charred Brussels sprouts and serve immediately. The result is a mouthwatering pasta dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

In Conclusion

Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish. The combination of creamy carbonara sauce and smoky charred Brussels sprouts creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So why not spice up your weeknight meals with this delicious and satisfying dish? Your family and friends will thank you.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can certainly use a different type of pasta if you prefer. However, orecchiette works best for this recipe as its shape allows the sauce to cling to the pasta.

. Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?

Absolutely! Bacon can be used as a substitute for pancetta in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it until crispy before adding it to the carbonara sauce.

. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes would make excellent additions to this dish.

. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the pancetta or bacon. The charred Brussels sprouts provide plenty of flavor on their own.

. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best to enjoy this dish immediately after cooking, you can make the carbonara sauce and char the Brussels sprouts in advance. Simply reheat the sauce and Brussels sprouts when you're ready to serve, then toss them with freshly cooked pasta.

. Can I freeze leftovers?

It's not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the carbonara sauce may change upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh.

. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses if desired. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano would be excellent alternatives.

. What can I serve with Orecchiette Carbonara with Charred Brussels Sprouts?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a more substantial meal.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More dinner

See all →