Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta

A simple and flavorful sausage and Brussels sprouts pasta recipe, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. This homemade pasta combines golden Italian sausage, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, garlic, and grated Parmesan for a balanced and tasty dish. Easy to prepare on busy weekdays, this easy pasta recipe works well for both lunch and dinner. A complete meal idea that brings together vegetables, protein, and cheese in a generous, family-friendly plate.

Ingredients

• ½ lb gluten-free spaghetti
• ½ lb sweet Italian sausage (pork or chicken)
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for finishing
• 9 oz Brussels sprouts, finely shredded
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes (adjust to preference)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously, then add the spaghetti. Cook until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the skillet. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside if needed.
2. Brown the Sausage
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into large chunks, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
   Add the olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in the shredded Brussels sprouts and red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until tender but still vibrant. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Combine and Finish
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the sausage and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and add some reserved pasta water, tossing until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and plenty of black pepper.
5. Serve
   Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.

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Tips

• Shred Brussels sprouts finely so they cook quickly and blend well with the pasta.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
• Add pasta water gradually to control the sauce consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap sweet Italian sausage for spicy sausage for extra heat.
• Use regular spaghetti or whole wheat pasta if gluten-free is not needed.
• Add mushrooms or caramelized onions for more depth.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How do I reheat it?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or plant-based sausage.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients with bold, savory flavors
• Quick enough for weeknight dinners
• Comforting, balanced, and easy to customize