Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, farfalle, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and slightly browned.
- Deglaze the pan: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Combine and finish: Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in a creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Quality sausage: Use good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Look for options labeled “sweet” or “hot” to suit your taste.
- Customize it: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a sprinkle of chili powder for a smoky complexity.
Enjoy your delicious Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta!
