Italian Chicken Sausage & Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Dec 17, 2023
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I love an easy pasta recipe that also incorporates protein and vegetables all within one dish and this Italian Chicken Sausage & Brussels Sprouts Pasta is exactly that! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner because everything comes together quickly (only 30 minutes total!) and there's no need to prepare separate side dishes. Plus this dish is FULL of flavor. Let me show you how to make it!
Italian Chicken Sausage & Brussels Sprouts Pasta Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil additional to serve
- 1 lb Italian Chicken Sausage I used Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage but can use pork sausage; remove casing
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes more or less based on spice preference
- 1/2 tsp Umami Seasoning I used the Mushroom & Company Umami seasoning from Trader Joe's
- 1/4 tsp Salt additional to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper additional to taste
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme about 1 or 2 sprigs
- 9 oz Shaved Brussels Sprouts
- 3 cloves Garlic roughly chopped
- 1/2 Lemon juice and zest; additional to serve
- 8 oz Spaghetti or any pasta shape of choice; reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water
- 1 cup Pasta Water
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated; additional to serve
Recipe Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian chicken sausage into the pan, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes until it develops a golden color and is partially cooked.
- Add Flavorful Elements: Introduce red pepper flakes, umami seasoning, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, shaved Brussels sprouts, and garlic to the pan. Stir these ingredients together, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. If the pan becomes dry, add a splash of olive oil. The goal is to create a flavorful base for your pasta.
- Zest of Lemon Magic: Incorporate the zest and juice of half a lemon into the mixture, infusing a citrusy brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the sausage. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, prepare the pasta of your choice in salted water, cooking it to al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer the pasta directly into the pan with the sausage mixture. It's okay if some pasta water comes along with it.
- Create the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of pasta water to the pan. Combine the ingredients thoroughly, adjusting the consistency with additional pasta water if needed. This step results in a luscious and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Final Touches: Try out the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the pasta among bowls and top each serving with extra lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Italian Chicken Sausage & Brussels Sprouts Pasta
A pasta dish with crumbled sausage, shaved Brussels Sprouts, and lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil, additional to serve
- 1 lb Italian Chicken Sausage, I used Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage but can use pork sausage; remove casing
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, more or less based on spice preference
- 1/2 teaspoon Umami Seasoning, I used the Mushroom & Company Umami seasoning from Trader Joe's
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt, additional to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, additional to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Thyme, about 1 or 2 sprigs
- 9 oz Shaved Brussels Sprouts
- 3 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/2 Lemon, juice and zest; additional to serve
- 8 oz Spaghetti , or any pasta shape of choice; reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water
- 1 cup Pasta Water
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; additional to serve
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large high-rimmed sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage (casing removed). Use a spoon or spatula to break the sausage into crumbles. Cook for about 5 minutes to get some color and partially cook the sausage.
- Add the red pepper flakes, umami seasoning, salt, pepper, fresh thyme leaves, shaved Brussels sprouts, and garlic. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add an additional splash of olive oil if the pan is too dry. Mix in the zest and juice of 1/2 a lemon and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water to al dente according to package instructions. Transfer directly over to the sausage mixture once cooked. Add the grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of pasta water. Combine well and add another 1/2 cup of pasta water as needed to create a sauce. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Divide among bowls to serve. Top with additional lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil as desired.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 588kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 91mg, Sodium: 1556mg, Potassium: 438mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1153IU, Vitamin C: 64mg, Calcium: 162mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Did you try this Sausage & Brussels Sprouts Pasta? Leave a Review!
In just 30 minutes and a few simple steps, you've created an extremely flavor and satiating dinner. The combination of crumbled sausage, shaved Brussels sprouts, and the zing of lemon will leave you craving another bowl. I hope you save this recipe for the next time you need a quick and easy weeknight dinner that everyone in your family will love.
If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
FANTASTIC! Absolutely delish!! will be on repeat in our house!
Thank you so much, Leslie!! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for leaving such a nice review!
I love the 7.2 health score on this dish, which I found on the Samsung app. This is a very nice, healthy comfort food. I used a bit more sausage and was generous with olive oil for moisture. This will be on my meals rotation. We enjoyed it very much. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! I’m glad you have a new recipe for your rotation. Thank you!