Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Chicken Sausage & Brussel Sprouts Pasta

KEEP READING EVEN THOUGH BRUSSEL SPROUTS IS IN THE TITLE!

I can't remember ever trying them when I was little, but for some reason brussel sprouts and lima beans just had that "Taboo" name that caused a gag reflex.  Actually, to be honest, I do remember watching episodes of "Full House" (loved that show growing up) and Dj and Stephanie always made disgusting faces when mentioning those two things.  So, that must have been it! I followed suit and decided to hate them too. It's too bad, if it weren't for that show I probably would have loved them...lol!

But it all changed last winter. I was eating a fabulous restaurant in San Jose, Pizza Antica.  And they were featuring a roasted brussel sprout salad that looked fabulous and was quiet popular.   It would have been pretty adventurous for me to order that, so naturally, I stayed safe with something I knew I would like (I know call me wild). Since then, I have noticed brussel sprouts in more dishes and have become curious about the little cabbage looking veggies.

I found this recipe on Gimme Some Oven and it looked so delicious I figured this would be a good way to see how I felt about brussel sprouts.  Mixed with so many other things that if I didn't like them I could just pick around them...meal not wasted.  SCORE! I am in!


I followed this recipe and it was easy to make, which was great considering we got home late from swim lessons and my two little guys were running around with my littlest continuing to say "eat, eat"!

I loved the recipe, and it was good and a fun change from the pasta dishes we usually have.  And what, you may ask, did I think of the brussel sprouts? They weren't bad! They are not my favorite veggie, but certainly much better than I grew up thinking they were.  I would definitely make this recipe again. And best yet, my kids ate them because they were mixed in along with everything else! 


This winter when the brussel sprout salad is back in season at Pizza Antica, you can bet I will be ordering it!

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh brussel sprouts, ends trimmed, then sliced in half
3 Tbs Olive oil, divided
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lb (16oz) orecchiette (or other pasta)
4 chicken sausages (whatever flavor you prefer), sliced
5 cloves of garlic
1/3 cup pesto sauce
Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Preheat oven to 400, and place water on stove for pasta.
  • Mix brussel sprouts with 2 Tbs oil, salt, and pepper. 
  • Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Then spread the brussel sprouts out evenly and roast for 15-30 minutes or until the brussel sprouts are browned on the outside and soft on the inside. Then remove and set aside. 
  • In the meantime, place remaining Tbs of oil in a large skillet and brown the sausage. Once the sausage is browned add the garlic and saute 1-2 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta according to the directions (I begin cooking pasta when right after I start browning my sausage). Then drain, reserving some of the water should you need to add liquid at the end.
  • Toss the pasta in with the sausage and garlic, adding in the pesto and brussel sprouts. If pasta is a little dry add more pesto or some of the reserved water.  Flavor with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve with some parmesan cheese and Voila!
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5 comments:

Becky {This Is Happiness} said...

Hopping over from Melinda's blog. I'm trying to think...I don't think I have ever tried a brussel sprout, yikes. And I really pretty much like everything. This recipe makes them look oh so delicious. Thanks for sharing. Excited to see what other yummy recipes you have.

Tiffany ~ One Bite of Anything said...

I am so glad you found me! And excited you too are thinking of giving brussel sprouts a try. Hope you are not disappointed...and visit often :)

Melinda {Delighting in Details} said...

I am with you both... have never tried brussel sprouts!!! However, your pic looked sooooooo yummy that I think will try it, too :)

P.S. - Becky, so excited to see that your following Tiffany!!!

Tiffany ~ One Bite of Anything said...

You'll have to let me know what you think Mel! Ok both of you girls I cannot post on your blogs. I am signed in and following you both but my message is always deleted. Any tips?

Melinda {Delighting in Details} said...

Hmmmm that is a weird. I have no idea what could be the problem. Maybe check your setting in your account.