Lunch… today I decided to make a quick lunch and share the results with you.  It is a simple meal of pancetta, shaved brussel sprouts, and tortellini fried in butter and the pancetta renderings. The only seasonings… a little salt (very little since we are using panceta, a type of Italian bacon), freshly cracked black pepper, and minced garlic. Simple, but quite delicious. And need I mention fast!

Tortellini with Pancetta and Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of pancetta, cut into 1/2 inch squares
• 4 – 5 brussel sprouts, shaved (cut into a chiffonade)
• 6 oz fresh cheese tortellini
• 2 tsp butter
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
• shredded Italian cheese (optional)

Preparation:

Begin by cooking the pasta per the directions (usually about 7 minutes in lightly boiling water). Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat and add the pancetta.  Crisp the pancetta lightly, about 4 – 5  minutes then add the shaved brussel sprouts.

Toss to combine and cook the sprouts about 2 minutes.

Add the butter and toss to distribute, add the well drained tortellini and toss again. Saute the tortellini in the butter to lightly brown the pasta.

Add the salt and pepper, toss to combine and plate.  Sprinkle with cheese and enjoy!