Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will allow the Brussels sprouts to roast perfectly, becoming crispy on the edges while staying tender on the inside.

Next, prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the tough outer leaves and cutting them in half. If you have larger Brussels sprouts, you may want to quarter them. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss the Brussels sprouts until they’re evenly coated, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roasting them at a high temperature ensures they become caramelized and crispy, which is essential for adding texture to the pasta.

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. The goal is for the sprouts to become golden and crispy on the outside, while still tender on the inside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Aim to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce.

Once the pasta is done, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the pasta and Brussels sprouts are cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Once the garlic is softened and aromatic, add the butter and let it melt into the garlic. Stir in the heavy cream, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Brussels Sprouts, and Sauce

Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted and the pasta is cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Gently fold in the roasted Brussels sprouts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and give everything one last toss. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. You can also top the dish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Brussels Sprout Pasta with Parmesan with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.