Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta

It almost feels like cheating calling Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta a “recipe” because it’s so simple and straightforward. Regardless, it goes from fridge to table in 20 minutes or less making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Cooked pasta is tossed with browned Italian sweet sausage, sauted brussels sprouts, an offensive amount of garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus tons of cracked black pepper. It’s kind of a mash up of cacio e pepe, this dish, and this dish. Simple, familiar flavors in a hearty and filling dish. I totally dig it.

The best part of this recipe is that there’s zero prep work involved so you can keep your knife and cutting board put away. The couple of times I tested this dish I found myself standing in the kitchen tapping my foot waiting for the water to boil because there’s nothing to slice and dice, including the brussels sprouts because I used a bag of pre-shredded from the store. Easy!

I use gluten-free spaghetti but you can use whatever pasta you love. I also think this dish would be fantastic with zucchini noodles but first read the tips in this post to make sure you don’t end up with soggy zoodles. GAG.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. In the meantime, add 8oz sweet Italian sausage and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to a large, 12″ skillet over heat that’s just a touch above medium. Brown the sausage, breaking it into big chunks as it cooks. I tested this recipe breaking the sausage down to the texture of ground beef and it was kind of strange texture-wise in the final dish. I liked being able to bite into big pieces.

Scoop the sausage onto a plate and set aside, then drop the pasta into the water to cook until it’s just a touch under al dente. Just a heads up, don’t drain the pasta cooking water after it’s done cooking – you’ll use it to create a thin sauce for the dish!

Next heat 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in the skillet then add a 9oz bag pre-shredded brussels sprouts, 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (or more or less,) and salt and pepper. Saute until the sprouts are golden brown and tender, 3-4 minutes, then add 3 cloves pressed or minced garlic and saute for 1 more minute.

Last step is to use tongs to transfer the cooked pasta from the pot to the skillet, then add the cooked sausage, a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add enough pasta cooking water to the skillet to melt the parmesan cheese and create a light, thin sauce.

Add a TON of freshly cracked black pepper then taste and add more salt if necessary, too. Swirl onto plates then top with more parmesan cheese before digging in. I hope you love this hearty, quick and easy weeknight pasta dish! Enjoy!

Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta

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gluten free20 minute meal30 minute meal

4.5/5 (15 REVIEWS)

Description

20 Minute Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta will be on the table in no time. A filling and flavorful gluten-free dinner recipe!

Ingredients

serves 3-4

• 1/2lb gluten-free spaghetti
• 8oz sweet Italian sausage (I like Johnsonville)
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + a few drizzles
• 9oz shredded brussels sprouts
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (or more or less)
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large, 12” skillet over heat that’s just a touch above medium. Add sausage then brown, breaking it up as it cooks but taking care not to break the sausage up into too small of crumbles. Scoop sausage onto a plate then set aside.
2. Drop pasta into salted, boiling water then cook until it’s just under al dente - pasta will continue to cook a little bit in the skillet later. DO NOT DRAIN PASTA WATER when pasta is done cooking.
3. Meanwhile, heat 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in the skillet then add brussels sprouts and red chili pepper flakes, season with salt and pepper, then saute until the brussels sprout are tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic then saute for 1 more minute or until very fragrant.
4. Using tongs, transfer spaghetti from pot to skillet then add parmesan cheese and cooked sausage. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and enough pasta cooking water to help the parmesan cheese melt and evenly coat the pasta. Taste then season with salt and lots of freshly cracked black pepper, and then serve.

Notes

• I use one bag of Green Giant pre-shredded brussels sprouts for this recipe.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.