Red Lentil Pasta with Bacon and Brussels

Prep and Roast:

1.    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2.    Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and trim/slice the Brussels sprouts.

3.    Place the bacon and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with unbleached parchment paper.

4.    Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

5.    Roast for 20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are lightly browned and the bacon is crispy. Roast slightly longer if you prefer extra crispness.

Start the Sauce Base:

6.    In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter.

7.    Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute, until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic.

Add Broth and Cook Pasta:

8.    Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, then season with salt and black pepper (or to taste).

9.    Increase heat to bring the broth to a boil. Add the red lentil spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or according to package directions until al dente.

10.  If the pasta begins to stick or the broth reduces too much, add more broth in small increments.

11.  Meanwhile, chop the Italian parsley if you haven’t already.

Add Creaminess & Herbs:

12.  Reduce the heat to medium-low.

13.  Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and heavy cream (or coconut milk).

14.  Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.

Thicken with Arrowroot:

15.  Ina small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon arrowroot with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry.

16.  Reduce the heat to low. Stir the slurry into the pan, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.

17.  Add more slurry if needed, but do so gradually to avoid over-thickening.

Combine Bacon and Brussels:

18.  Gently fold in the roasted bacon and Brussels sprouts.

19.  Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.

Serve Immediately:

20.  Garnish with additional chopped parsley.

21.  Plate and enjoy this hearty, protein-packed dish while it’s hot!

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Total Macros:

Calories: 506.75

Protein: 21.5g

Carbs: 36.13g

Fat: 29.75g

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Nutrition Facts:

Red Lentil Power: Red lentil pasta is loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and support healthy digestion.

Brussels Sprouts Boost: These mini cabbages are packed with vitamin C and vitamin K, essential for immune support and bone health.

Bacon’s Flavor Punch: While bacon adds savory goodness, it also provides B vitamins (like B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12).

Cheesy Calcium: Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative) delivers calcium, crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Creamy Fats: Whether you choose heavy cream or coconut milk, the healthy fats help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)more effectively.

Arrowroot Magic: This gentle thickener is easy on the stomach and keeps the sauce gluten-free while adding that perfect, velvety texture.

Gut-Friendly Garlic: Garlic isn’t just for flavor—it has compounds (like allicin) that can support immune function and overall gut health.

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