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If you are craving a dish that beautifully balances rich, nutty flavors with fresh, vibrant greens, then you absolutely must try this Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe. This gem brings together tender strands of pasta coated in luscious brown butter, perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts, a hint of zesty lemon, and just the right amount of savory parmesan. It’s an irresistible combination that turns humble ingredients into a comforting yet elegant meal you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating those crave-worthy flavors and textures. From the nutty complexity of browned butter to the fresh brightness of lemon zest and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, every item brings its own magic to the table.
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to catch all the flavorful sauce and sprouts.
- Salt, for boiling pasta: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing the pasta’s flavor.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced: The star veggie, offering a crispy, caramelized bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the Brussels sprouts to golden perfection.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the sauce, which browns to develop a deep, nutty aroma.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Adds aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving: Infuses the meal with savory, salty richness.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Provides a bright, citrusy note that lifts the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity and balances the buttery sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasons the dish with a gentle warmth.
- Salt, to taste: Adjusts seasoning perfectly at the end.
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional): Offers a crunchy texture contrast and toasty flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh herbaceous finish and vibrant color.
How to Make Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your spaghetti or linguine. Cook it until just al dente, meaning tender but still with a bite—this helps the pasta hold up beautifully when tossed with the sauce. Be sure to reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy water will help bind your sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts along with a pinch of salt to draw out their natural moisture. Cook, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes until the sprouts are golden and crisp at their edges. This caramelization adds irresistible flavor and texture. Once done, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Stir continuously as the butter melts, foams, and transforms into a rich golden brown shade with a deeply nutty aroma. This step takes about 3 to 4 minutes, and it’s where the magic begins—be careful not to burn the butter as it can go from perfect to bitter quickly.
Step 4: Infuse with Garlic and Red Pepper
Once the butter has browned, add the thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté gently for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic releases its fragrance but before it gets any color. This short cooking time ensures the garlic adds delicate warmth and aroma without bitterness.
Step 5: Combine Brussels Sprouts and Pasta
Return the sautéed Brussels sprouts to the skillet and add the drained pasta right on top. Toss everything thoroughly so that the tender pasta strands soak up the fragrant browned butter, garlic, and caramelized sprouts. This melding of ingredients is where your Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe really comes alive.
Step 6: Add Cheese, Lemon, and Pasta Water
Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water and toss the pasta again to coat everything evenly in a silky sauce. The pasta water’s starchiness helps bring the sauce together with an irresistible clinginess. Add more water as needed to reach the consistency you desire.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve your masterpiece immediately, garnished with extra parmesan, toasted nuts for crunch, and chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, making this Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra parmesan cheese on top adds an extra layer of savory richness that melts ever so slightly into the warm pasta. Toasted walnuts or pecans lend a delightful nutty crunch, perfectly complementing the brown butter’s flavor. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green but also a refreshing herbaceous brightness that balances this rich dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness while adding refreshing texture. For those wanting a heartier meal, some crusty garlic bread on the side is an excellent choice to scoop up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. A simple roasted chicken or grilled fish also complements this pasta well for an elevated dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try twirling portions of pasta into elegant nests on each plate before sprinkling garnishes on top. Serving the pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl encourages a shared, cozy vibe. You can also finish with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon just before serving to add shine and a bit more zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, but to keep the sprouts from losing their crispness, try to store them separately if possible and combine before reheating.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with delicate sauces like brown butter don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month if necessary. Store in a freezer-safe container without toasted nuts or fresh herbs, which can be added fresh upon reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and prevent the butter from solidifying. Add fresh parmesan, nuts, and parsley after reheating to revive the dish’s full texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts work best for achieving that perfect crispiness and caramelization, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best in the Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal because their long strands catch the sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment with fettuccine or even short pasta like penne if you prefer.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?
No, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional. They add a gentle heat that complements the richness but can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor profile but can still be delicious with the caramelized Brussels sprouts.
How do I get the butter to brown perfectly every time?
Patience is key! Use medium heat, and keep stirring the butter as it melts. You’ll notice it foaming first and then turning golden brown with a nutty smell—remove it from the heat as soon as you see the brown specks to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, it’s a guaranteed hit that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again!
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Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Butter Brussels Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish combining al dente spaghetti with sautéed Brussels sprouts, nutty browned butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Finished with parmesan cheese and optional toasted nuts and fresh parsley, it’s a perfect quick and flavorful meal that balances savory, tangy, and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- Salt, for boiling pasta
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
Cooking Fats & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Flavor Enhancers
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are golden and crisp. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Brown the Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Stir frequently as the butter melts and foams, cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper: Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the browned butter. Sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not brown.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly so the strands are evenly coated with the browned butter, garlic, and sprouts mixture.
- Add Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and toss again. Add more pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, and chopped fresh parsley if using.
Notes
- To achieve the perfect browned butter, keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of browned butter.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the parmesan cheese and use a plant-based butter substitute.
- To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- For extra texture and flavor, you can add toasted breadcrumbs as a topping.
