Zesty Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty lemon parmesan Brussels sprout pasta delivers pure magic.

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts dance with tangy parmesan in a dish that sparks culinary excitement.

Bold flavors merge seamlessly, creating a symphony of textures that will make your taste buds sing.

The pasta catches golden-brown sprout edges and sharp cheese notes, promising a meal far from ordinary.

Each forkful brings a delightful balance of brightness and richness that transforms a simple ingredient list into something extraordinary.

Comfort meets elegance in this quick, satisfying recipe that proves gourmet cooking doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Prepare to fall in love with a new dinner favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta Shine

• Spaghetti: Provides the hearty foundation of the dish, choosing a high-quality pasta enhances overall flavor and texture.

• Brussels Sprouts: Adds earthy, slightly nutty crunch, selecting fresh, compact sprouts ensures optimal taste and caramelization.
• Shallot/Onion: Delivers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, look for firm, bright-colored varieties.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent flavor, fresh cloves offer more intense taste compared to pre-minced options.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth base for cooking and finishing, extra virgin varieties offer more complex taste profile.
• Lemon: Brings bright, zesty freshness through juice and zest, selecting firm, vibrant lemons ensures maximum citrus punch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes salty, umami complexity, choosing freshly grated yields superior melting and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate all ingredients, freshly ground black pepper offers more intense aroma.

Tools That Help You Cook Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water and salt.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing Brussels sprouts and creating the pasta sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta while keeping reserved cooking water.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring and tossing pasta and vegetables.
• Grater: Used for zesting lemon and grating parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like olive oil and pasta water.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing Brussels sprouts and shallots.

How to Prepare Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta the Simple Way

• Pasta Preparation

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti just shy of package instructions, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.

• Brussels Sprout Sauté

In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in sliced Brussels sprouts and chopped shallots, allowing them to caramelize and develop deep golden edges.

• Flavor Infusion

Reduce heat and introduce zesty lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the aromatics mingle and vegetables soften, creating a fragrant base.

• Sauce Creation

Splash in bright lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Combine spaghetti with the vegetable mixture, coating each strand with the vibrant sauce.

• Cheese Finale

Remove from heat and fold in freshly grated parmesan. Adjust consistency with additional pasta water if needed. Taste and season to perfection.

• Elegant Serving

Transfer to a beautiful platter, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan and a few twists of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips to Add More Flavor to Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta

• Slice Brussels sprouts thinly for maximum caramelization and even cooking, ensuring delicious crispy edges that add incredible texture to your pasta.
• Experiment with different citrus options like orange or lime zest to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the bright, fresh essence of the original recipe.
• Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal that transforms this simple pasta into a complete dinner.
• Try alternative hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged asiago to explore new taste dimensions while keeping the rich, salty character of the original parmesan.
• Prepare the Brussels sprouts and chop ingredients in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline weeknight cooking and reduce prep time.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta

• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Serve this pasta on a large wooden board for a communal, family-style dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Mediterranean Lunch Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio and a light arugula salad to enhance the bright lemon and parmesan flavors.
• Gourmet Meal Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top for added texture and a nutty crunch that complements the Brussels sprouts and pasta perfectly.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and a heartier meal that transforms this side dish into a complete main course.

Store Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta Meals

• Quick Batch Preparation: Chop Brussels sprouts and measure ingredients ahead of time for a stress-free cooking experience. Store prepped components in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The Brussels sprouts might slightly soften, but the flavors will continue to meld deliciously.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and revive texture. Gently stir while heating to prevent sticking and maintain the pasta's delicate structure.
• Freezing Caution: Fresh pasta with Brussels sprouts doesn't freeze exceptionally well due to potential texture changes. For best results, enjoy this dish immediately or within a few days of preparation.

Crispy Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon parmesan brussels sprout pasta blends zesty citrus with nutty cheese and caramelized vegetables. Pasta lovers discover a Mediterranean-inspired dish that balances tangy and rich flavors in one satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced (or 1 bag shredded Brussels sprouts)
• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti, or pasta of choice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallot, or red onion
• ¾ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 tsps fresh lemon zest
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a well-salted water pot to a vigorous boil and cook spaghetti just shy of package instructions for an impeccable al dente consistency.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high flame, introducing Brussels sprouts and shallots to develop a rich, caramelized exterior with golden-brown edges.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Reduce heat to medium, blending cracked pepper, garlic, and lemon zest into the vegetable mixture, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize gracefully.
4. Sauce Development: Pour lemon juice and pasta water into the skillet, creating a vibrant, silky sauce that will elegantly coat the spaghetti strands when added.
5. Final Integration: Combine pasta with the vegetable mixture, ensuring thorough coating, then remove from heat and incorporate parmesan cheese, adjusting sauce texture with reserved pasta liquid for a glossy, smooth finish.
6. Plating Flourish: Transfer to serving dish, embellish with a luxurious drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, additional parmesan shavings, and a final dusting of cracked black pepper for a refined presentation.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti slightly under package time to achieve the ideal al dente texture with a perfect tender-yet-firm bite.
• Caramelize with Care: Sauté Brussels sprouts and shallots over high heat to develop deep golden edges and rich, nutty flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Zest and Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest early in cooking to release essential oils and intensify citrusy aromatics throughout the sauce.
• Cheese Finishing Trick: Remove skillet from heat before adding parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy, creating a silky, smooth sauce that coats pasta beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg