I saw this recipe in the Nov 2012 issue of Cooking Light and had been itching to try it. The idea of the Brussels sprouts-pasta combination was very intriguing. Last night I finally got a chance, tweaking it just a bit by swapping red onion for yellow and adding some chopped smoked sun-dried tomato. I also sprinkled a few shakes of lemon pepper on top. It was divine! The flavors all melded together perfectly and the buttery breadcrumbs were an interesting (and delicious) addition - one I wouldn't have thought of. And the festive colors would enliven a holiday table perfectly.


Here's the recipe:
Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
4 teaspoons olive oil
12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2/3 cup organic vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces pecorino Romano cheese, shaved (about 1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and transfer to a large bowl; keep warm.
2. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat; swirl to coat. Add panko to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add Brussels sprouts to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes or until onion is tender and the Brussels sprouts are lightly browned. Add broth and next 5 ingredients (through pepper). Cover and cook 2 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are crisp-tender. Add Brussels sprouts mixture to pasta; toss well. Sprinkle with cheese, pine nuts, and panko. Serve immediately.
Wine Match: A yeasty sparkling wine like the Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut ($20) is a refreshing foil for the earthiness of the onions and sprouts and the nutty, salty cheese in this pasta dish. --Gretchen Roberts
Jackie Mills, Cooking Light 
NOVEMBER 2012