Lunch: Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan, Lemon, and Leek

Recipe by Claire Saffitz If your largest skillet isn’t large enough to hold 12 oz. pasta and toss everything together, dump the mixture back into the pot from cooking the rigatoni and toss.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health and fertility benefits of Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan, Lemon, and Leek

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to.

Ingredients

1 pound brussels sprouts
1 large leek, white and pale-green parts only
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, zest removed with a vegetable peeler, cut into very thin strips
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
12 ounces rigatoni
2 ounces Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Trim brussels sprouts with a paring knife, then snap off several dark outer leaves from each; set aside. Cut sprouts into quarters (or halve if very small). Starting at root end, cut half of leek into 1/2"-thick rings, then chop remaining leek.
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium. Add brussels sprout quarters and leek rings; season with salt and pepper and cook undisturbed until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until browned all over and tender, about 3 minutes more. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Set aside a little lemon zest for serving and add remaining zest along with chopped leek, garlic, and 2 Tbsp. oil to same skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until garlic and leek are golden, about 4 minutes. Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until skillet is almost dry, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until very al dente, 8 –10 minutes; drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Add pasta to skillet along with reserved brussels sprout leaves, brussels sprout quarters and leek rings, and 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid; toss to combine. Bring to a simmer, then gradually add 2 oz. Parmesan, tossing constantly. Cook, shaking skillet to toss pasta and adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thickened and glossy, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide pasta among bowls. Top with more Parmesan and pepper and reserved lemon zest; drizzle with oil. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

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