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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove skillet from heat source, gently folding in freshly grated parmesan cheese, adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water for a smooth, glossy finish.
- 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