Name: Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts (1 pound); Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon); Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon); Salt (½ teaspoon); Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon); Red Pepper Flakes (pinch, optional); Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon); Pasta (8 ounces, uncooked); Butter (2 tablespoons); Garlic (3 cloves, finely chopped); All-Purpose Flour (2 teaspoons); Heavy Cream (1 cup); Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated); Ground Nutmeg (pinch)

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The aroma of roasted Brussels sprouts fills the kitchen, mingling with the scent of rich garlic and creamy Parmesan to create a cozy atmosphere that wraps around you like a warm blanket. Picture this: golden-brown, caramelized sprouts glistening with olive oil, eagerly waiting to be tossed with al dente pasta in a silky sauce that beckons you to take another bite. There’s something undeniably comforting about this Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta, a dish that not only delights the senses but also brings back fondest memories of family dinners gathered around the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Whether it’s a chilly evening in fall or a quick weeknight meal everyone in your house will love, this pasta dish is your go-to for something hearty yet elegant. It’s like a hug on a plate! With this simple recipe, your dinner is sorted, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of creating it in your kitchen. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and slightly nutty from the roasted sprouts, every bite is heavenly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green and golden-brown colors make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Great for a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering; it fits any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets without losing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels Sprouts (1 pound): Look for fresh, firm sprouts. Halving them helps them roast evenly and develop that sweet, caramelized flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A high-quality olive oil enhances the taste and helps to achieve that beautiful crisp. Can substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that meshes well with the cream sauce. Fresh garlic can be used but may alter cooking times.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing flavors. Use sea salt for a more complex flavor profile.
Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Freshly ground adds a spiciness that lifts the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (pinch, optional): For those who like a little kick! Skip it for a milder dish.
Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the dish with a zesty finish. Freshly squeezed is best.
Pasta (8 ounces, uncooked): Use your favorite type; penne or fettuccine work beautifully. For a gluten-free option, chickpea or lentil pasta can be delightful.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Create a rich base for your sauce; salted or unsalted works as long as you adjust salt in the dish.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely chopped): Fresh garlic in the sauce rounds out the flavors and is simply irresistible!
All-Purpose Flour (2 teaspoons): Helps thicken the sauce. For gluten-free, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blends.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): For an ultra-rich sauce; half and half can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be less indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Fresh grated parmesan melts better and enhances flavor. Alternatives include nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Ground Nutmeg (pinch): This adds a delightful warmth to the sauce that pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. That’s the magic number for creating beautifully roasted Brussels sprouts! In a large mixing bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Make sure everything is coated evenly so that every sprout gets that delicious flavor.

Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet, arranging them with the flat side facing down. This helps them caramelize beautifully. Slide the tray into the oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown with crispy edges and a tender center. Keep an eye on them; the aroma will be hard to resist! Once they’re done, drizzle with lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Boil the Pasta: While your sprouts are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 10 minutes. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of that precious pasta water before draining, as it will help adjust the sauce later!

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once sizzling, toss in the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! The garlic should start to turn golden and release its irresistible aroma into the air.

Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the bubbly garlic, stirring to combine until it forms a bubbling paste—a roux of sorts. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time; it should be creamy yet pourable.

Combine Everything: Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your al dente pasta and the roasted Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Toss them gently into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This is the moment where all those flavors meld beautifully together.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your glorious Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta to serving bowls. Don’t shy away from garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese on top for that added cheesy goodness! Serve immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly when reheated, especially if you’ve used heavy cream. To rejuvenate the flavors, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring it back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts; you want that crispy exterior and tender inside.
Use room-temperature ingredients when making sauces for a smoother texture.
Timing is crucial; take out the sprouts as soon as they’re golden to prevent burning.
Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
Feel free to add proteins such as grilled chicken or sausage for a more filling meal.
You can easily double this recipe for gatherings and never have leftovers (well, maybe!).

Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients, because cooking should always be a fun adventure. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta not only serves as a delicious meal but also opens the door to countless variations that you can make your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Using frozen Brussels sprouts is possible, but keep in mind they may not roast as well as fresh ones since they tend to release more moisture. If you do use them, it’s best to thaw and dry them thoroughly before roasting.

What can I serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta?

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or a vegetable medley to create a more complete meal.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor in a vegan-friendly way.

How do I adjust the heat in this recipe?

If you want to tone down the spice level, skip the red pepper flakes altogether. Alternatively, you can add just a pinch to start and taste as you go.