Pasta Carbonara with Brussels Sprouts

I think bacon and brussels sprouts are a perfect combination.  I thought about bacon with the brussels sprouts, then I thought about pasta carbonara with bacon and decided to just combine them.  It was a total win.  I wanted to eat this whole pan of pasta.

Pasta carbonara should not have cream in it.  You see it listed at restaurants a lot and the description says it's pasta with bacon or pancetta and a cream sauce.  Call me a snob, but real carbonara should not have any cream in it.  The creaminess comes from eggs and parmesan mixed with the hot pasta.  It's like magic.  You pour the beaten eggs and parmesan in and it turns to this creamy delicious but not super heavy pasta dish.

Pasta Carbonara with Brussels Sprouts
Adapted from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything


1 lb. pasta (I would have used linguine, but all we had was penne and twisties, so I mixed them together.  Whatever you have will work)
2/3 - 1 lb brussels sprouts, ends cut off and sliced into quarters
3 slices bacon, diced into small 1/2 inch pieces
3 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. At the same time the water for the pasta is coming to a boil, add 1 tbsp olive oil to a large skillet, turn to medium heat, and add quartered brussels sprouts.  Brown the brussels sprouts slightly and then cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

2. While the brussels sprouts are covered and cooking, beat 3 eggs in a small bowl and add the parmesan and black pepper.

2. Uncover brussel sprouts and add diced bacon.  Saute for a few minutes on medium-high heat until bacon is slightly crispy.

3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water. Drain cooked pasta and dump back into pan.  While it's still very hot, add egg mixture and start stirring immediately.  Don't let the egg mixture sit without stirring or the egg will start cooking and you'll have scrambled eggs in your pasta.  If the pasta mixture looks thick and a little gloopy, add some of the pasta water and stir until it's creamy and smooth.

4. Add in bacon and brussel sprouts and stir to combine.  Enjoy!