Description
Orecchiette pasta tossed with crispy pancetta, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a vibrant lemony sauce, creating a delightful balance of smoky and citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound orecchiette
- 6 ounces pancetta, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, ends removed and halved
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are crisp and caramelized.
- Return the pancetta to the skillet and add the lemon zest and juice. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and add extra Brussels sprouts or mushrooms. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 mg