Cavatelli With Brussels Sprouts

Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling. Add Brussels sprouts and cook for 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl.

Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 8 minutes, according to package directions. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and return to pot.

While the pasta cooks, heat bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Cook for 8 minutes or until it begins to crisp. Push bacon to side of pan and tilt pan. Carefully spoon out 2 Tbsp. pan drippings and discard.

Reduce heat to medium and add onion and olive oil to skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add Brussels sprouts to skillet and cook for 3 minutes to brown slightly. Stir in pasta water and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Add to cooked pasta and gently toss to coat pasta with sauce. Serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.