This Spicy Alfredo Pasta recipe is tastes creamy and rice with a touch of brightness from lemons and accentuated with brussels sprouts. Even better it is so easy! This Spicy Alfredo Pasta dish requires almost no time to make and is loaded with nutrient packed brussels sprouts and a spicy cream sauce!

Ingredients in this Brussels Sprouts Pasta:

Linguine: Spaghetti or fettuccine would work equally well. If you prefer a shaped pasta such as medium shell pasta or rotini would also work well. You would just want to avoid anything too delicate as it might be overwhelmed by the creamy sauce. You could also try something fun like these to have a bit of variety.
Olive Oil
Onion: either yellow or white onion would work fine in this recipe.
Crushed red pepper flakes: this is the majority of what brings the “spicy” to this alfredo which allows you to control the heat to your liking.
Fresh Brussels Sprouts: I really like the brussels sprouts in this pasta. If you cannot find fresh brussels or would prefer a substitute, you could consider changing to broccoli.
Butter: I used plant butter, but whatever your favorite is will work just fine.
Vegetable Cream Cheese: I made this sauce with garden vegetable flavored cream cheese; however, I feel chive & onion flavored cream cheese would work equally well. You could also consider substituting boursin cheese for a creamier, richer dish.
Lemon
Kosher salt and pepper

How to Make Spicy Alfredo Pasta Recipe:

Cook the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
Saute the onion with the red pepper flakes and a bit of salt until beginning to become translucent.
Once the onion begins to brown, add the brussels sprouts and the butter and stir.
Once the brussels have softened, add the cream cheeses and 1 cup of the reserved water. Stir the mixture together and continue to add water ¼ cup at a time to loosen up the sauce. Add in the pasta and cook on low for around 2 minutes to combine the mixture. Add additional pasta water, as needed, to thin the mixture.
Squeeze the lemon over the pasta, add additional salt, pepper and red pepper flakes as desired and serve immediately.

What do Brussels Sprouts taste like?

Brussels sprouts have a slightly bitter and nutty taste, with a texture similar to cabbage. When they are cooked, the bitterness tends to mellow out, and they can develop a slight sweetness. Some people also describe Brussels sprouts as having a slightly earthy or sulfuric flavor, which can be intensified if they are overcooked.

The taste of Brussels sprouts can vary depending on how they are prepared. Roasting or sautéing them with herbs, spices, or a bit of salt can help to enhance their flavor and make them more palatable. Overall, whether or not someone enjoys the taste of Brussels sprouts can be a matter of personal preference, but they are considered a nutritious vegetable and can be a tasty addition to many dishes when prepared properly.

What to serve with Spicy Alfredo Pasta Recipe:

Garlic bread: A classic side dish for pasta, garlic bread pairs well with the creamy and spicy flavors of the Alfredo sauce.
Caesar salad: The crisp and refreshing flavors of a Caesar salad can help balance out the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can provide a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
Grilled chicken or shrimp: Adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to the spicy Alfredo pasta can add some protein and flavor to the dish.
Tomato salad: A light and fresh tomato salad can provide a nice contrast to the creamy and spicy pasta dish.
Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes can provide a hearty and filling side dish that complements the pasta well.

Try some of our other pasta favorites:

Tahini Pasta Sauce is packed with Unami flavors and is another super easy pasta dish to make.

Green Olive Puttanesca is another easy twist on a classic dish that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner.