The aroma of sautéed Brussels sprouts mingling with the hearty notes of ragu sauce envelops your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. savory meatball and spaghetti soup Imagine twirling perfectly cooked penne pasta, glistening in a rich, savory sauce that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other types of pasta?
- Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
- How do I make this dish vegan?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This Penne Pasta with Brussels Sprouts in Ragu is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor, ideal for cozy family dinners or impressing friends during casual get-togethers. The combination of textures and tastes will make your taste buds dance with joy and leave you eagerly anticipating seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The robust flavors create a comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults
- Its vibrant colors elevate any dining experience, making it visually stunning
- Versatile enough to swap in seasonal vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop talking about how they never thought Brussels sprouts could taste so good!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious chicken ramen stir fry. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Chicken Spring Rolls recipe.
- Penne Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free versions if you prefer healthier or alternative options.
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellow leaves for the best flavor.
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier ragu; it keeps the dish flavorful yet light.
- Canned Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth; don’t skimp on quality here, as they enhance the sauce.
- Onion and Garlic: Fresh ingredients are crucial; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness from the start. slow cooker honey garlic pork chops.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it brings out the richness of all ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil elevates the overall flavor profile significantly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds a creamy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully. crockpot cheese tortellini.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the ragu.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and their sweet aroma fills your kitchen—about 3-4 minutes.
Add Meat and Vegetables: Stir in ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Toss in halved Brussels sprouts, cooking until they begin to soften—around 5-7 minutes adds great texture.
Pour in Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add canned tomatoes along with Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes until flavors meld beautifully; stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Toss with Pasta: Gently fold cooked penne into the ragu mixture, ensuring every piece is coated well with that luscious sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes so flavors can marry.
Serve and Enjoy!: Plate your Penne Pasta with Brussels Sprouts in Ragu generously topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping into that divine sauce!
Now you’re set to enjoy a delightful meal that combines comfort food with nutritional benefits!
You Must Know
- The combination of penne pasta with Brussels sprouts in ragu creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures
- This dish is not only hearty but also visually appealing, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cook the penne until al dente while sautéing the Brussels sprouts in a separate pan. Combine them with the ragu sauce for optimal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Brussels sprouts for broccoli or kale if you prefer. Adding some crushed red pepper can give your dish an exciting kick that elevates every bite.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked penne, always salt your pasta water generously
- A splash of white wine in the ragu adds depth
- Don’t forget to finish with freshly grated cheese for added richness!
Making this penne pasta with Brussels sprouts in ragu reminded me of my first dinner party. I was nervous, but everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta works well; just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! The ragu can be made entirely plant-based with vegetable broth.
How do I make this dish vegan?
Simply replace cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan alternative for creaminess.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Penne Pasta with Brussels Sprouts in Ragu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Penne Pasta with Brussels Sprouts in Ragu is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for chilly evenings. The savory ragu sauce, combined with perfectly cooked penne and sautéed Brussels sprouts, creates a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 14 oz canned fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3. Add meat and vegetables: Stir in ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Add Brussels sprouts; sauté for 5-7 minutes.
- 4. Pour in tomatoes and seasonings: Add canned tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Toss with pasta: Fold cooked penne into the ragu mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- 6. Serve: Plate generously topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
