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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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