*This Brown Butter Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for winter. Nutty browned butter, a few chunks of pancetta, and a splash of tart balsamic vinaigrette perfectly complement thinly shaved brussels sprouts!*

I’ve been spending a lot of time over the past few months trying to declutter my space and minimize some of my extraneous belongings. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking: “yeah, me too.” Seems that paring down is on-trend these days, huh? Aren’t we all trying to achieve that life-changing magic of tidying up?!

But I really have found that the less physical clutter I have, the more mental space and clarity are available for truly rewarding and fulfilling endeavors. From three year old beauty products to the many jars and cans in my pantry to that stack of magazines I still haven’t read – if it’s not adding true value to my life, I’m looking for a way to use it up or dispose of it. Last week, for instance, I threw away seven, I believe, of my ten bottles of nail polish. And I’ve implemented a firm rule: no more impulse purchases at Trader Joe’s. If an item isn’t being used for a very particular recipe, I’m not buying it.

What I’ve learned is that, in this period of my life, it feels right to simplify just a little. And that it’s ok to choose to focus on just the good stuff, and forget the rest. This quick and easy pasta recipe is my attempt to expand that clutter-free approach to my cooking. Because when the good stuff is really amazing – like fresh, thinly shaved brussels sprouts, perfectly browned butter, a few chunks of fatty pancetta, and a splash of tart balsamic vinegar – that’s really all you need. So here’s to delicious, simple pasta dinners, and a more simple phase of life, too!