Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that beautifully blends comfort with vibrant color and flavor, look no further than Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into crisp-tender green ribbons, twirling together with golden pasta, nutty Parmesan, and just a hint of heat. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a potluck, Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this irresistible bowlful of goodness!

Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is how a simple handful of ingredients combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element in this dish plays an important role, balancing freshness, creaminess, and that signature Italian-American bite.

  • Pasta (12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite shape): This is the heart of the dish; classic spaghetti is perfect for twirling, but fusilli or linguine also work wonderfully.
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity base for sautéing and brings lusciousness to the finished sauce.
  • Butter (1 tablespoon): Provides richness and a velvety finish that melds with the Parmesan.
  • Brussels Sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and thinly sliced): The star ingredient, sliced thin to caramelize quickly and deliver flavor in every forkful.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers warmth and complexity that ties all the flavors together, especially in the final sauté.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick, this adds a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup plus more for serving): Nutty, salty, and melty, Parmesan is the secret to that irresistible creamy bite.
  • Pasta Cooking Water (1/2 cup reserved): This starchy liquid helps magically emulsify the sauce so it clings perfectly to every noodle.
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out the flavors in the pasta and the Brussels sprouts.
  • Lemon Wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon at the end adds brightness and balances the richness of the Parmesan.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the pasta water and set it aside; this magical liquid helps later when you build the creamy sauce. Drain the noodles and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and starts to foam lightly. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts and let them sizzle, tossing occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes. They should become golden in spots and turn tender, yet retain a bit of bite. This is where the transformation happens: what started as plain sprouts becomes a sweet, nutty, crispy-tender revelation.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Once the Brussels sprouts are looking golden and delicious, sprinkle in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly and sauté for another minute or so, just until the garlic is fragrant and not at all browned. This step builds the deep, aromatic foundation that Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is known for.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your Brussels sprouts mixture. Toss everything together well, so the greens and oil coat the pasta strands. Sprinkle in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and pour in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water, tossing to loosen up the sauce. Let it come together into a glossy, creamy coating that hugs every bite. Season with salt and generous black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta into bowls, and be generous with extra Parmesan on top. Add lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over just before you dig in—this finishes the dish with a burst of freshness. Serve hot, and get ready for everyone to be impressed!

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta

Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This pasta welcomes a finishing touch with open arms! A generous flurry of extra grated Parmesan brings salty, cheesy magic, while lemon wedges served alongside provide a customizable pop of brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a few ribbons of fresh basil will make each bowl look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is hearty enough to be the main event, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. For a cozier spread, add some warm garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf on the side to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled asparagus also make cheerful, colorful partners at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta to really shine, try piling it high in a big, family-style serving bowl and sprinkling it with panko breadcrumbs toasted in a little olive oil. For individual flair, serve in shallow pasta bowls with strategically placed lemon wedges and a final shower of microgreens for color and crunch. This pasta is equally charming at a dinner party or as a leftover lunch, packed up in a mason jar for a workday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta tastes fantastic fresh, but it also keeps well for quick meals throughout the week. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get cozier as they meld together, making lunchtime extra special.

Freezing

While Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is at its very best when freshly made, you can freeze portions if you need to. For best results, cool completely and pack into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It will keep up to two months—just note that the Brussels sprouts may lose some crispness upon thawing, but the flavor stays scrumptious.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to life, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil. Warm it over low heat, tossing until it’s hot throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Always finish with a fresh grating of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for that just-cooked brightness.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta for Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic, any pasta shape you have on hand will do—think linguine, penne, or even orecchiette. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you’ll have perfectly delicious results every time.

How do I get my Brussels sprouts crispy and not soggy?

The key is to slice them thin and sauté over medium heat without crowding the pan, so they have space to caramelize rather than steam. A little patience and a good stir every now and then results in golden, crispy perfection in your Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is naturally vegetarian, using only plant-based ingredients (just make sure to look for vegetarian Parmesan, as traditional versions can sometimes include animal rennet). You can even make it vegan by swapping in your favorite plant-based butter and Parmesan alternatives.

Can I make Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients fit your dietary needs. The method and flavors stay exactly the same, so no one will miss a thing!

What protein can I add for a more filling meal?

If you’d like extra protein, feel free to add cooked bacon, pancetta, or even grilled chicken on top. For a vegetarian boost, toss in roasted chickpeas or white beans—they nestle into the pasta perfectly, making Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with the bright flavors and easy charm of Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta. Whether you’re new to cooking Brussels sprouts or already a superfan, this pasta promises comfort and a little flair in every twirl. Give it a try and let the vibrant greens and creamy Parmesan work their magic on your next dinner table!

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Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 5 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender Brussels sprouts, tossed with spaghetti in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make vegetarian meal that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta

Brussels Sprouts:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Other:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Extra grated Parmesan and lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Brussels Sprouts: In a skillet, sauté Brussels sprouts in olive oil and butter until tender and golden. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
  3. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss with Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Add cooked bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
  • For a bright finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 64g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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