When it comes to creating an irresistible side dish that feels as comforting as it is elegant, these Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce fit the bill perfectly. This dish takes humble Brussels sprouts and elevates them with a creamy Parmesan garlic Alfredo sauce, topped with savory chicken for added flavor. Whether youâre preparing a festive holiday meal or simply want to bring something indulgent to your weeknight dinner table, this one-pan recipe delivers decadence with ease. The combination of earthy sprouts, velvety sauce, and tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds.
PrintBrussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce: A Luxurious One-Pan Side Dish
đ„ŠđŽ Give your Brussels sprouts a creamy upgrade with Alfredo Sauce! đ§ This luxurious one-pan dish pairs caramelized sprouts with rich, velvety sauce for a side dish thatâs irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Ready to wow your taste buds? đ
#CreamyVeggies đ„Š #AlfredoLove đ§ #SideDishPerfection đœïž #OnePanWonder đ« #ComfortOnAPlate đ #VeggieDeliciousness â€ïž #EasyToMake đ§âđł #RichAndCreamy đ #DinnerGoals âš #HomeCookingJoy đ
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 oz chicken breast or thigh, chopped into small pieces: Replacing bacon, chicken adds a hearty, savory element while keeping the dish just as satisfying.
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: The star of the show, these tiny cabbages are full of nutty, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic provides an aromatic depth that enhances the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: The base of the sauce, this adds richness and a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed: A splash of citrus cuts through the richness, brightening the dish.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Parmesan adds a nutty, umami flavor that defines Alfredo sauce.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste: To enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice to balance the creaminess.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until itâs golden brown and cooked through, about 5â7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving about 2â3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.
- Cook the Brussels Sprouts
- Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8â9 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and lightly browned. This step caramelizes the sprouts, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a pleasant nuttiness to the dish.
- Create the Alfredo Sauce
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Add the Finishing Touches
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, which will add a subtle tanginess and brighten the flavors.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the sauce and stir until itâs fully melted and incorporated. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the Alfredo sauce. Allow everything to heat through for 1â2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Brussels sprouts garnished with the creamy sauce and chicken.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and free of yellow or wilted leaves. Smaller sprouts are often sweeter and more tender.
- Cut Uniformly: To ensure even cooking, halve the sprouts lengthwise so the cut sides can caramelize in the pan.
- Donât Skip the Lemon: The acidity of the lemon juice is crucial for cutting through the richness of the Alfredo sauce, preventing it from feeling too heavy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
This dish isnât just about flavorâitâs a visual and sensory experience. The vibrant green Brussels sprouts are caramelized to golden perfection, while the creamy Alfredo sauce clings to each piece, creating a luscious, glossy finish. The aroma of garlic mingling with rich Parmesan and the slight tang of fresh lemon juice is simply mouthwatering. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy cooks who want maximum results with minimal effort.
Letâs dive into the details of what makes this dish so special and how you can make it your new go-to side dish.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce
The key to this recipe is using fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and texture. Hereâs what youâll need:
- 6 oz chicken breast or thigh, chopped into small pieces: Replacing bacon, chicken adds a hearty, savory element while keeping the dish just as satisfying.
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: The star of the show, these tiny cabbages are full of nutty, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic provides an aromatic depth that enhances the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: The base of the sauce, this adds richness and a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed: A splash of citrus cuts through the richness, brightening the dish.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Parmesan adds a nutty, umami flavor that defines Alfredo sauce.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste: To enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice to balance the creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until itâs golden brown and cooked through, about 5â7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving about 2â3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.
- Cook the Brussels Sprouts
- Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8â9 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and lightly browned. This step caramelizes the sprouts, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a pleasant nuttiness to the dish.
- Create the Alfredo Sauce
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Add the Finishing Touches
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, which will add a subtle tanginess and brighten the flavors.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the sauce and stir until itâs fully melted and incorporated. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the Alfredo sauce. Allow everything to heat through for 1â2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Brussels sprouts garnished with the creamy sauce and chicken.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
This dish is a celebration of balance and contrast. The Brussels sprouts are tender yet slightly crisp, their nutty flavor enhanced by caramelization. The Alfredo sauce, with its rich creaminess, is infused with the sharp, savory notes of Parmesan cheese and a hint of zesty lemon. The chicken adds a meaty, satisfying bite that rounds out the dish beautifully. Each element complements the others, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures thatâs as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and free of yellow or wilted leaves. Smaller sprouts are often sweeter and more tender.
- Cut Uniformly: To ensure even cooking, halve the sprouts lengthwise so the cut sides can caramelize in the pan.
- Donât Skip the Lemon: The acidity of the lemon juice is crucial for cutting through the richness of the Alfredo sauce, preventing it from feeling too heavy.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: If you prefer beef over chicken, use ground beef or small beef strips. Cook them until browned, then proceed with the recipe as written.
- Cheese Options: For a twist on the classic Alfredo flavor, try substituting Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or GruyĂšre.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Omit the chicken and consider adding toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy, protein-packed topping.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses:
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty meal.
- Seafood: The creamy sauce complements delicate fish like salmon or cod.
- Pasta: Toss the Brussels sprouts and Alfredo sauce with cooked pasta for a complete vegetarian meal.
Why Youâll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for both weeknights and special occasions.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal with family and friends.
- Rich and Comforting: The luxurious Alfredo sauce is a crowd-pleaser that turns simple Brussels sprouts into something extraordinary.
Make-Ahead and Storage
If youâre preparing this dish for a gathering, you can make it ahead to save time:
- Make Ahead: Cook the Brussels sprouts and chicken, then refrigerate them separately. Prepare the sauce just before serving and combine everything in the skillet to reheat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce is more than just a recipeâitâs a celebration of comfort food at its finest. This dish takes a classic side and transforms it into a show-stopping centerpiece worthy of any meal. Whether youâre hosting a holiday gathering, preparing a dinner party, or simply treating yourself and your family to something special, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this recipe is its versatility. With a few simple substitutions or additions, it can easily adapt to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Itâs also a wonderful introduction to Brussels sprouts for those who may be hesitant about trying them. The creamy Alfredo sauce, with its delicate balance of savory Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and a hint of bright lemon, turns these green gems into something that feels indulgent and luxurious.
As you prepare this dish, youâll notice how the cooking process itself is part of the magic. The aroma of sizzling chicken and caramelizing Brussels sprouts fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation, while the sight of the rich Alfredo sauce bubbling gently in the skillet is enough to make anyoneâs mouth water. Each step of the process builds on the last, culminating in a dish thatâs as satisfying to create as it is to eat.
This recipe also encourages connection. Whether youâre cooking for your family or sharing it with friends, the act of serving and enjoying a meal like this fosters togetherness. Pair it with a hearty main course, a glass of wine, or simply a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and youâve got a meal thatâs truly memorable.
The beauty of Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce lies in its ability to make something as simple as a vegetable feel elegant and indulgent. Itâs proof that with a little creativity, even the humblest ingredients can shine. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic of this recipe transform your table into a place of comfort, joy, and unforgettable flavor.
Once youâve tried this recipe, itâs sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoireâone youâll come back to time and again, whether for a special occasion or just a treat-yourself night. Because sometimes, a dish isnât just about feeding your body; itâs about feeding your soul.
Happy cooking and bon appĂ©tit! đ„°