zucchini pasta

Meatless Monday: Grilled Ricotta Spaghetti & Brussel Sprouts with Butter Beans and Sundried Tomatoes

It’s another Meatless Monday and what vegetable better to hold its own than the brussel...

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It’s another Meatless Monday and what vegetable better to hold its own than the brussel sprout? For me, it was love at first sight. I will never truly understand why people dread these little guys. They’re so mysterious – are they a baby cabbage? Are they miniature heads of lettuce? They always keep me guessin’.

At least in the culinary scene here in NYC/NJ, they’ve become quite trendy. In the past two years or so, I’ve seen many more restaurants feature roasted brussel sprouts as side options or specials on their menus. Most recently, I’ve seen a lot of shaved brussel sprout salads or “hashes” flavored with chopped crunchy bacon.

So, I took it on myself to feed the trend and grill them, since it’s summertime and all. I slathered them lightly in ricotta cheese (I had to hold back!) and mixed them in with beans, sundried tomatoes and grilled spaghetti. Now come on, regular spaghetti will not taste as good grilled – it sure won’t add as much flavor as it does with zucchini noodles!

Since the brussel sprouts are so filling and the butter beans and ricotta offer a substantial amount of protein, this becomes a complete meal – perfect for a summer night. Pair it with a Sauvignon Blanc to take advantage of the “pillowy lightness” of this Italian cheese – or heck, grab a glass of Chianti and enjoy yourself. It’s Monday, you’ve got a long week ahead of you.

 

Meatless Monday: Grilled Ricotta Spaghetti & Brussel Sprouts with Butter Beans and Sundried Tomatoes

Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 2 zucchinis Blade C
  • 8-10 brussel sprouts
  • 3 sundried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter beans
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 large clove of garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • pinch of garlic powder
  • olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  • Turn on and heat up a George Forman grill. If you don't have one, skip this step (we will use a grill pan later).
  • Prepare your brussel sprouts by removing any tough outer leaves, slicing off the bottoms and halving them. Prepare your sundried tomatoes by cutting them into 1/4 inch strips. Set all aside.
  • Bring a small saucepan with enough water to cover the brussel sprouts to a boil. When ready, add in the brussel sprouts for about 3-4 minutes or until they are halfway done and almost able to be forked easily. Pour into a colander to drain and then pat dry thoroughly. When done, season brussel sprouts with salt, pepper and a pinch of garlic powder.
  • Spray both sides of the George Forman grill with olive oil cooking spray (or heat up a grill plan on the stovetop on medium-high heat). Place the brussel sprouts cut-side down onto the grill/grill pan and let cook for about 3-4 minutes or until sprouts have grill marks and are more easily pierced with a fork. When done, set aside.
  • Wipe down grill/grill pan and spray again with cooking spray. Place in zucchini noodles and cook for about 1-2 minutes. When done, set aside.
  • While noodles are cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add in olive oil. Once oil heats, add in garlic, cook for about 30 seconds and then add in red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds and then add in butter beans, brussel sprouts and sundried tomatoes. Cook for about 1 minute and then add in zucchini pasta and ricotta cheese. Stir to combine thoroughly for about 1 minute. Serve hot!

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with love, Ali

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comments

  • This looks delicious! I love brussel sprouts and am always looking for new ways to cook them!
    • Thank you - I hope you enjoy it! Happy you're a brussel sprout girl like myself :)
  • looks delish!
    • Thank you! The perfect summer meal & easy to make!
  • Did u forget to add the Brussel sprouts in the last step?????? I couldn't find when to add to skillet.