The Art of Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Pasta Perfection

Perfect Pasta Timing

Learning to cook pasta to al dente perfection while coordinating the sausage and vegetable preparation ensures everything comes together hot and ready at the same time.

Sausage Caramelization

Mastering the technique of browning both sliced and ground sausage creates deep, complex flavors and appealing textural variety in the finished dish.

Brussels Sprouts Technique

Achieving golden-brown caramelization on Brussels sprouts requires patience and proper heat, transforming them from bitter to sweet and nutty.

Flavor Layering

Building flavor by using the rendered sausage fat to cook vegetables and aromatics creates a cohesive, deeply satisfying taste profile.

Sauce Emulsion

Combining starchy pasta water with Parmesan and pan drippings creates a silky, clingy sauce that brings all the components together in harmony.

Mastering the Perfect Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Sausage Selection: Use a combination of sweet and spicy Italian sausage for complex flavor, or stick to one variety based on your heat preference.

Brussels Sprouts Perfection: Don't overcrowd the pan when caramelizing Brussels sprouts - cook in batches if necessary to achieve maximum browning.

Pasta Water Magic: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta - don't skip this step.

Make-Ahead Option: Cook components separately and store in refrigerator for up to 2 days, then combine and reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Vegetable Variations: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or kale in the final minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Crispy Texture: For extra crispy sausage, start with a cold pan and let the fat render slowly before increasing heat to achieve golden caramelization.

Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Crispy Caramelized Vegetables

Name: Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Crispy Caramelized Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Pasta:; 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle); 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water; For the Sausage and Vegetables:; 1 pound Italian sausage links, sliced into rounds; 8 ounces ground Italian sausage; 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; For the Finishing:; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; For Special Equipment:; Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch minimum); Large pot for boiling pasta; Wooden spoon or spatula

The ultimate Italian sausage pasta featuring savory Italian sausage, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and tender bow tie pasta. This hearty one-pan dish combines the rich smokiness of browned sausage with the nutty sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts, creating an unforgettable comfort food experience that elevates the classic pasta dinner to extraordinary heights perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory Italian flavors and wholesome vegetables.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta:

1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)

1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Sausage and Vegetables:

1 pound Italian sausage links, sliced into rounds

8 ounces ground Italian sausage

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Finishing:

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

For Special Equipment:

Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch minimum)

Large pot for boiling pasta

Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sliced Italian sausage links, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized, then remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add ground Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy, then remove and set aside with the sliced sausage.

Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and add halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down, cooking undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.

Flip Brussels sprouts and add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Return both types of cooked sausage to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts and toss to combine.

Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until well combined and sauce coats the pasta.

Remove from heat, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky consistency, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Crispy Caramelized Vegetables

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Pasta Perfection

Italian Sausage Brussels Sprouts Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Crispy Caramelized Vegetables

Ingredients

Instructions