This five ingredient Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan is swimming in a rich brown butter sauce. The perfect vegetarian meal or quick and easy side dish!
I love the simplicity of this dish. Just a few basic ingredients create a decadent dinner that is ready in about 20 minutes. This Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan is an excellent side dish for a roast chicken or grilled meat. However, it also makes a wonderful vegetarian entree or easy lunch.
Just in case you don’t have penne on hand, don’t worry. You can sub your favorite pasta shape, or even ravioli in its place. Also, this works great with gluten free, regular or whole grain pasta so it is fully customizable based on what you have on hand.
What ingredients do you need to make Penne with Brussels Sprouts?
- Penne
- Brussels Sprouts
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parmesan
How do you make Penne with Brussels Sprouts?
The first step is to cook the pasta. I use gluten free penne pasta, however you can use your favorite kind or brand. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water and set aside in a large bowl.
Next, heat a large heavy bottom skillet to medium heat. Heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil to medium heat, add minced garlic and halved Brussels sprouts. Place the Brussels sprouts cut side down in the skillet allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until they become crisp.
Stir the Brussels sprouts and cook for 1-2 more minutes until they are tender and crisp enough for your liking. Move the Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the penne.
Lastly, make the brown butter sauce by adding 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and heat over medium low heat. Once the butter has melted completely cook 2-3 more minutes until very lightly browned, stirring regularly.
Pour the brown butter over the penne and Brussels sprouts and toss with parmesan, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
What should I serve Penne and Brussels Sprouts with?
Since the flavors of this dish are so mild, a rich brown butter sauce, garlic and parmesan it pairs well with just about everything. Personally, I love to serve it with these Blackened Pork Chops or Chicken because I love the spicy meat paired with the buttery pasta. However, these are some of my other favorites:
- Parmesan Crusted Halibut
- Buffalo Roast Chicken
- Asparagus and Mozzarella Salad
- Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked penne
- 3 cups Brussels Sprouts halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup parmesan for topping
- salt and pepper to taste
Brown Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water and set aside in a large bowl.
- Next, heat a large heavy bottom skillet to medium heat. Heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil to medium heat, add minced garlic and halved Brussels sprouts. Place the Brussels sprouts cut side down in the skillet allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until they become crisp.
- Stir the Brussels sprouts and cook for 1-2 more minutes until they are tender and crisp enough for your liking. Move the Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the penne.
- Make the brown butter sauce by adding 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and heat over medium low heat. Once the butter has melted completely cook 2-3 more minutes until very lightly browned, stirring regularly.
- Pour the brown butter over the penne and Brussels sprouts and toss with parmesan, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.