Quick & Zingy Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta Recipe

Brussels sprouts elevate ordinary pasta into a culinary delight that surprises even the most skeptical food lovers.

These tiny green gems pack an unexpected punch of flavor and nutrition when combined with zesty ingredients.

The crispy, caramelized edges of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts create a textural masterpiece against silky pasta strands.

Bright citrus notes from fresh lemon complement the nutty, sharp parmesan cheese, elevating each forkful with complex undertones.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques ensure anyone can master this restaurant-worthy recipe with confidence.

Bold flavors and simple preparation make this pasta a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What’s Special About Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whips up in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Veggie Transformation: Brussels sprouts get a tasty makeover, turning from potentially boring to crispy, caramelized delights that add incredible depth to the pasta.
• Bright and Zesty Flavor Profile: Lemon zest and juice bring a vibrant, fresh punch that cuts through the richness of parmesan and olive oil, creating a perfectly balanced and exciting dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a simple skillet method that combines cooking and mixing in a single pan, making this recipe both convenient and stress-free for home chefs.

What Goes into This Pasta Dish

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta with good surface area for sauce clinging.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base for cooking and enhancing flavors.
• Pasta Cooking Water: Starchy liquid for creating silky sauce texture.

• Brussels Sprouts: Nutty, caramelized vegetable with crisp edges.
• Shallot/Onion: Subtle, sweet base for building flavor profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient with deep, pungent flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy note that adds freshness.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy acid to balance and elevate dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese for depth and creaminess.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality finishing oil for rich flavor.

Keeping Brussels Sprout Pasta Fresh

Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.

Microwave Reheat: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Stovetop Refresh: Revive cold pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture and prevent sticking. Gently stir until heated evenly and serve hot.

What to Eat with This Pasta Dish

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this bright, lemony pasta with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine's acidity matches the lemon's sharpness while complementing the Brussels sprouts' earthy flavor.
• Crunchy Sidekick Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and a light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens will echo the pasta's zesty profile and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Herb-Infused Bread Buddy: Serve with a crusty garlic and rosemary focaccia. Its herbal notes and crispy texture will enhance the pasta's delicate vegetable and cheese elements, adding depth to the meal.
• Fresh Citrus Finish: End the meal with a light lemon sorbet or a small glass of limoncello. These citrusy desserts will beautifully mirror the recipe's bright lemon undertones and cleanse the palate.

Pasta Twists and Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Spicy Brussels Sprout Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet for a fiery version of the pasta. Increase heat levels by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce while cooking vegetables.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace lemon with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Include crumbled feta cheese instead of parmesan for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp to enhance protein content. Quickly pan-fry protein before adding vegetables to develop deep, rich flavors.
• Creamy Vegetarian Adaptation: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt after adding parmesan. Blend in nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone that complements the Brussels sprouts' earthy profile.

Steps to Make Brussels Sprout Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Essentials

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil

Add a generous pinch of salt to the water

Cook spaghetti just shy of package directions, about 1 minute less

Drain pasta, keeping one cup of cooking water aside

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

• Sliced Brussels sprouts
• Chopped shallots

Cook while stirring occasionally until edges turn golden brown, around 5 minutes

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Reduce heat to medium

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated lemon zest

Cook until garlic releases its aroma and vegetables become tender, 2-3 minutes

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce

Pour in fresh lemon juice

Add half cup reserved pasta water

Introduce cooked spaghetti

Drizzle remaining olive oil

Toss ingredients together, allowing sauce to lovingly coat pasta

Continue cooking for an additional minute

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove skillet from heat

Fold in grated parmesan cheese

If sauce seems dry, add more pasta water

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Transfer pasta to serving platter

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil

Garnish with freshly ground black pepper

Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese

Serve immediately and enjoy

Pro Tips for Pasta with Lemon and Brussels Sprouts

• Slice Smartly: Cut Brussels sprouts thinly and evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Reserve Liquid Gold: Keep pasta water handy as it's packed with starch and helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your pasta.
• Brown for Flavor: Allow Brussels sprouts to develop golden-brown edges by resisting the urge to stir constantly, which enhances their nutty, caramelized taste.
• Zest Before Juice: Grate lemon zest first to release its aromatic oils, then squeeze juice for a bright, layered citrus flavor profile.
• Cheese Finale: Add parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and maintain its creamy, smooth texture, creating a luxurious finish to the dish.

Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprout Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon parmesan brussels sprout pasta elevates simple ingredients into a zesty Mediterranean-inspired delight. Silky noodles mingle with caramelized brussels sprouts, creating a rich harmony of tangy citrus and nutty parmesan that will make you crave another forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced (or 1 bag shredded Brussels sprouts)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti, or pasta of choice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• ⅓ cup (40 grams) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallot, or red onion
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water reservoir to a rolling boil, then immerse spaghetti strands, cooking them slightly under the recommended package time to maintain a perfect al dente texture.
2. While pasta is preparing, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust heat, introducing thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and delicate shallots to create a caramelized golden perimeter.
3. Reduce flame to moderate intensity, incorporating seasoning elements like cracked pepper, minced garlic, and vibrant lemon zest, allowing aromatics to bloom and vegetables to soften elegantly.
4. Introduce fresh lemon juice and a portion of starchy pasta liquid to create a luminous, silky sauce, then fold spaghetti into the vegetable medley, ensuring complete coating and integration.
5. Remove skillet from heat source, gently folding in freshly grated parmesan cheese, adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water for a smooth, glossy finish.
6. Transfer pasta to serving vessel, adorning with a luxurious drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, additional parmesan shavings, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an elevated culinary presentation.

Notes

• Pasta water is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients stick perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Browning Brussels sprouts intensifies their nutty flavor and creates delicious caramelized edges for added texture.
• Cooking pasta slightly under recommended time ensures it finishes cooking in the vegetable sauce without becoming mushy.
• Zesting lemon before juicing provides concentrated citrus flavor that brightens the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Reserved pasta water acts as a magical emulsifier, helping transform simple ingredients into a creamy, cohesive sauce.
• Finishing the dish with an extra drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds luxurious richness and restaurant-quality presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg