Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, halved; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 65 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a side dish that’s not only ridiculously tasty but also feels a bit luxurious, you’re going to love this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s my go-to way to make Brussels sprouts excite even the pickiest eaters – those crispy edges, garlicky aroma, and that dreamy, creamy Parmesan sauce? Game changer. Let me walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic treat because trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Uses everyday pantry staples to create an impressive side dish in 20 minutes.
Creamy Yet Light: The sauce is rich without feeling heavy, perfect for balancing those slightly crispy Brussels.
Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to pasta, making weeknight dinners more exciting.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, Garlic Parmesan Brussels, Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe, Healthy Brussels Sprouts - The image shows cooked Brussels sprouts with a creamy sauce and sprinkled with shredded cheese. The Brussels sprouts are cut in half, showing a light green inside and slightly browned edges. The creamy sauce is pale yellow and thick, covering the Brussels sprouts in an uneven layer. Lightly melted shredded cheese is scattered on top, adding texture. A silver spoon is partially visible in the bowl, lifted to show the Brussels sprouts and sauce. The dish is in a white bowl placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe plays a vital role to create a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to pull off. Whether you’re grabbing Brussels sprouts at the farmer’s market or just from your local grocery store, these ingredients come together effortlessly.

Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and halved, because they cook evenly and get those lovely crisp edges I adore. Look for firm sprouts with vibrant green leaves.
Olive Oil: For sautéing, adds a subtle fruitiness and helps get the sprouts nicely browned.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must—it elevates the whole dish with its fragrant punch.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors of the sprouts.
Heavy Cream: Brings that rich, velvety texture that turns this side into something truly special.
Cornstarch: Just a touch thickens the sauce perfectly without lumps—make sure to whisk it well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for that authentic nutty flavor and silky melt.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity in one simple step.
Salt and Pepper: To taste—these basics bring balance and enhance all the other flavors.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Depending on your mood or who you’re cooking for, you can make it a little nuttier, more herbaceous, or even add a spicy kick.

Variation: I sometimes sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch—my family goes nuts for that texture contrast.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re dairy-free.
Seasonal Touch: Toss in some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to add smoky sweetness during colder months.
Make It Vegan: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Sauté to Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in your halved Brussels sprouts along with the minced garlic. The goal here is to get them tender but still with a bit of bite and those beautifully caramelized edges. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice a nutty aroma starting to fill your kitchen—that’s your cue! Once done, scoop them out and set aside to keep the sprouts from overcooking while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk in the cornstarch vigorously until it’s completely smooth—no one wants lumps in a creamy sauce. Add your grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. You’re aiming for a silky texture that beautifully coats the back of your spoon.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and gently toss them in the luscious Parmesan sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the sprouts soak up all that creamy goodness and warm through evenly. At this point, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a sprinkle more Parmesan if you’re feeling cheesy. Then, serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Always Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting; freshly grate it for the creamiest sauce.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving sprouts enough room ensures they get that golden sear rather than steam, which makes a big flavor difference.
Whisk Cornstarch Early: Mixing the cornstarch into the liquid before heating avoids lumps in your creamy sauce.
Finish on Medium-Low Heat: Cooking the sauce over high heat can scorch the cream, turning it grainy. Low and slow wins here.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh herbs balance the richness wonderfully. Some crushed red pepper flakes can also kick up the heat just a tad if you like a little spice.

Side Dishes

This creamy Brussels sprouts recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken breasts or thighs, grilled salmon, or even a hearty pasta dish. I often serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that hits all the right notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these Brussels sprouts in a shallow, rustic cast iron skillet placed right on the table—guests love digging in straight from the pan. Another fun idea is layering them on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or setting them around a beautiful roast for a festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you probably will), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sprouts will keep well, and the sauce thickens more over time—just a heads up.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but I don’t recommend it for this recipe because the cream sauce can separate and become grainy. If you want to make this ahead, stick to refrigerating and reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauciness if it looks too thick. Microwave is okay for convenience but watch the time—less is more here.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture, which can make the dish watery. Cooking time might be slightly less, so watch for tenderness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. This still gives you that depth of flavor without compromising on creaminess.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

To keep the sauce smooth, avoid cooking it on high heat, and always whisk the cornstarch into the liquids before heating. Also, use fresh Parmesan and add it gradually, stirring constantly to melt steadily.
Can I batch cook this dish for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the Brussels sprouts and sauce, then store them separately if possible. Combine and reheat gently to keep the creamy texture fresh. It makes a fantastic, easy-to-reheat side for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but is still straightforward. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone—even the Brussels sprouts skeptics—excited about veggies. The creamy sauce, the garlicky notes, and those perfectly cooked sprouts really shine together. Honestly, once you try this, it might just become your new favorite side dish too. So go ahead, give it a go, and enjoy every delicious bite!