Tay's Spaghetti Carbonara with Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is a staple in our home! I love making this when we have friends over because its quick and simple to throw together and looks impressive when served family style. Enjoy! - Ranch Gal Tay

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs and 2 large yolks, room temp
• 2/3 packed cup grated Vella Cheese Co Mezzo Secco (or other hard aged cheese), plus more for serving
• Salt & Coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
• 4 ounces Rusty Hinges Ranch bacon strips
• ½ lb Brussels sprouts
• 16 oz Pasta Shop Fresh Spaghetti
• Red chili flakes (optional, for serving)

NOTE: For best results read the recipe through before cooking. It goes really fast, so it's best to have a clear idea of the steps before you start!

Vegetarian Option: This recipe can 100% be made without bacon and it's fun to add other veggies like asparagus, mushrooms, the more traditional green peas or whatever your heart desires!

Instructions

1. Place a large pot of lightly salted water (no more than 1 Tbsp salt - you'll get adequate saltiness from the bacon) over high heat and bring to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, roughly chop bacon and thinly slice the Brussels sprouts.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, separated yolks then the grated Mezzo Secco. Season with a pinch of salt and generous black pepper. Set aside.
4. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook bacon, stirring often, until browned and crispy - about 5 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
5. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with clean paper towels.
6. Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat until crisp tender, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits, 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Turn off heat and let rest while your pasta cooks.
8. Add pasta to the water and boil to until al dente - 4-5min for fresh pasta.
9. Just before pasta is ready, reheat bacon and Brussels in skillet, if needed.
10. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water (this is best done in a liquid measuring cup).
11. Drain pasta and add to the skillet with bacon and Brussels over low heat.
12. Stir with tongs for a minute or so to combine. Remove from heat.
13. To the same skillet, stir in cheese & egg mixture, adding some reserved pasta water a few Tbsp at a time as needed for creaminess.
14. Serve immediately, dressing it with a bit of additional grated cheese, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and red chili flakes (if using).