Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta: A Cozy 30-Minute Favorite

Name: Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; 12 ounces Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced or shredded; 1 clove garlic, grated or minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or similar shape; 3 tablespoons pesto; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of cooking for busy weeks and real life hunger, it’s this: Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta is the kind of dinner that feels fancy but asks very little of you. And honestly? Those are my favorite kinds of meals.

This dish is a lifesaver on nights when you want comfort food now—not after a sink full of dishes or an hour of prep. Between the salty bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, bright lemon, and herby pesto, every bite feels balanced and deeply satisfying. It’s cozy, but not heavy. Simple, but not boring. And yes, even Brussels sprouts skeptics have been known to go back for seconds.

Let’s dig in

Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta

First things first—this recipe checks all the boxes for real life cooking:

Fast: Dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.
Big flavor: Bacon grease + pesto = magic.
Flexible: Easy to make gluten-free or adjust for picky eaters.
Comforting but fresh: Rich, salty, bright, and herby all at once.

I especially love this recipe when I’m tired of heavy sauces but still want something that feels like a warm hug. The lemon juice wakes everything up, the pesto coats the pasta beautifully, and the Brussels sprouts soak up all that bacon goodness like they were born for it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta shine:

Bacon: Four slices is just right. Crispy, salty, and essential.
Brussels sprouts: Thinly sliced or shredded so they cook quickly and evenly.
Garlic: Just one clove, but it adds so much aroma.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a little kick.
Pasta: Shells work great, but any similar shape will do.
Pesto: Store-bought is perfectly fine here—no judgment.
Lemon juice: This is the secret weapon that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and the perfect finishing touch.
Salt & black pepper: Season as you go for the best flavor.

Nothing complicated. Just honest ingredients doing their thing.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water if you like a saucier finish.

Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. You can use a sharp knife, mandoline, or the shredding attachment on your food processor if you’re short on patience (been there).

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to paper towels to drain, then chop once it’s cool enough to handle.
Reserve one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest. This little bit goes a long way.

Step 4: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
Sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Add the Garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Keep an eye on it—burnt garlic is a heartbreak no one needs.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, pesto, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and warmed through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra lemon or black pepper makes everything sing.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese on top. Because more cheese is never the wrong answer.

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta plated with crispy bacon and fresh herbs — Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta plated and ready to serve with crispy bacon, parmesan, and fresh herbs

Helpful Cooking Tips (Because Life Happens)

Brussels sprouts cooking too fast? Lower the heat and add a splash of water or pasta water.
Sauce feeling thick? A tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water will loosen everything up beautifully.
Want extra protein? Add grilled chicken or even a soft-boiled egg on top.
Feeding picky eaters? Chop the Brussels sprouts extra small—they practically melt into the pasta.

And if your kitchen smells incredible while this cooks, that’s completely normal. Bacon has that effect.

A Little Kitchen Story from Me

This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta became a repeat recipe in my house during one of those weeks where everything felt like a to-do list. Work deadlines, laundry piles, and the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?”

I remember standing at the stove, tired and hungry, thinking I’d just throw something together and hope for the best. One bite later, I knew this one was a keeper. It was comforting without being heavy, quick without tasting rushed, and exactly what I needed that night.

Those are the recipes I love sharing most—the ones that quietly save the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh is best here because frozen sprouts release more water and won’t caramelize as nicely. If frozen is all you have, thaw and pat them dry first.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the bacon and sauté the Brussels sprouts in olive oil instead. Add extra parmesan or a handful of toasted nuts for richness.

What kind of pesto works best?

Classic basil pesto is perfect, but spinach pesto or even sun-dried tomato pesto would be delicious too.

Let’s Get Dinner on the Table

There’s something special about meals that don’t ask much but give a lot in return. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta is one of those recipes—quick enough for weeknights, cozy enough to crave, and simple enough to make again and again.

Whether you’re cooking after a long day, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself to a bowl of something comforting, this pasta fits right in. I hope it brings a little ease and a lot of flavor to your table

Now grab that skillet, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and let dinner take care of itself.

More Cozy Dinners You’ll Love Next

If this Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta hit the spot, here are a few more comforting meals that fit right into busy weeknights and cozy cravings. Each one brings something a little different to the table while keeping that same easy, satisfying vibe:

Craving another hearty pasta night? Garlic Beef Pasta with bold, savory flavor is rich, filling, and perfect when you want dinner to feel extra comforting.
If you love deep, caramelized flavors, French Onion Pasta with melty, cozy goodness is a must-try that feels indulgent without being complicated.
For a creamy option with a fresh veggie twist, Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta that the whole family loves is always a reliable win.
And if you enjoy seeing different takes on a favorite dish, you might enjoy this Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pesto Pasta with a fresh spin for extra inspiration in the kitchen.

These recipes are perfect for mixing and matching throughout the week, keeping dinner comforting, flavorful, and refreshingly easy.