Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Brussels sprouts in Alfredo sauce! Seriously, if you think Brussels sprouts are just those little green veggies that sit on the plate untouched, think again! When dressed in a creamy Alfredo sauce, they transform into a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. The richness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the slight nuttiness of the roasted sprouts, creating a symphony of flavors that you won’t be able to resist. I remember the first time I made this; I was a little skeptical, but the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! It’s super easy to whip up, too—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll feel like a superstar chef, all while serving a dish that’s vegetarian-friendly and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, Brussels sprouts will never be the same for you! Get ready to fall in love with those little green gems!
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce
Preheat the Oven
First up, let’s get that oven preheating! I can’t stress enough how crucial this step is. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensures that your Brussels sprouts roast evenly and get that delightful golden brown color. Plus, it locks in all those amazing flavors. So, while you’re prepping your ingredients, let the oven do its thing!
Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show—the Brussels sprouts! In a large bowl, toss those lovely little greens with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. You want each sprout to be evenly coated, so don’t be shy; get in there with your hands and give them a good mix! Once they’re all dressed up, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps them roast beautifully without steaming. Pop them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have that lovely caramelized color. It’s like magic watching them transform!
Make the Alfredo Sauce
While those Brussels sprouts are roasting to perfection, let’s whip up the creamy Alfredo sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it gently—oh, the aroma will have your mouth watering! Once it’s warmed through, slowly add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce is smooth. You want it to be rich and velvety, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if necessary. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more cream to reach that dreamy consistency!
Combine and Serve
Finally, it’s time for the grand finale! Once your Brussels sprouts are out of the oven, toss them into the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Mix it all together until the sprouts are beautifully coated in that creamy goodness. Serve it warm, and let me tell you, your taste buds are in for a treat! You can even sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top for an extra touch of indulgence. This dish is perfect as a side or even as a main course—trust me, it’s going to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- The creamy Alfredo sauce elevates the Brussels sprouts to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- Rich in flavor, with the nutty notes of roasted Brussels sprouts blending beautifully with the luxurious sauce.
- Customizable! You can easily add in proteins like chicken or shrimp if you want to mix things up.
- Leftovers reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy this indulgent dish more than once!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Brussels sprouts in Alfredo sauce turn out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning—salt and pepper are your best friends here, so taste as you go. If you want to add a little zing, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor even more. When roasting, make sure to spread the sprouts out evenly on the baking sheet; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream, but keep in mind it may alter the richness. Lastly, if you have some fresh herbs like parsley or basil, toss them in just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk about the nutrition in this creamy goodness! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but here’s what you can expect per serving of Brussels sprouts in Alfredo sauce:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: About 30g
- Protein: Roughly 8g
- Carbohydrates: Around 15g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
This dish is rich and satisfying, making it perfect for a hearty meal while still being vegetarian-friendly. Enjoy every creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen Brussels sprouts work in a pinch, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture. They might not get as crispy as fresh ones, but they’ll still be delicious in that creamy Alfredo sauce!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or a cashew cream blend. Just keep an eye on the consistency!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Cooked chicken or shrimp would make a fantastic addition to this dish. Just toss them in with the roasted Brussels sprouts before mixing in the Alfredo sauce for a complete meal!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the sauce, or it might separate.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Brussels sprouts in Alfredo sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free, and you’re all set for a tasty, gluten-free meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Brussels sprouts in Alfredo sauce is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days, so you can enjoy that creamy goodness again soon! When it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it gently to maintain the flavors and texture. Just place your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up. Alternatively, you can use the microwave—just cover your dish to prevent splatters and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Remember, nobody wants a rubbery sauce, so take your time with it!
For more tips on cooking Brussels sprouts, check out this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe that pairs perfectly with any meal!
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Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce: A Cozy Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brussels sprouts in creamy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and garlic over medium heat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine roasted Brussels sprouts with the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Can add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: brussels sprouts, alfredo sauce, vegetarian recipe