Penne with Bacon and Brussel Sprouts

I never thought I would be the type who thought “Ooooh!  Brussel Sprouts!  Yum!”  In fact, I had never tried brussel sprouts until a few weeks ago.  And really?  They aren’t so bad.  They kind of taste like cauliflower to me, and with a bit of salt and butter they are quite tasty. 

The other night I came home from work completely dead and absolutely starving with full knowledge that my fridge was mostly empty. I did have a few smidgens of ingredients from other cookery attempts that I thought I might be able to toss into something delicious; pasta topped with steamed brussel sprouts seasoned with a bit of bacon, sprinkled with mozzarella.  It was quick, easy and absolutely divine!
Penne with Bacon and Brussel Sprouts
8 oz. penne, cooked al dente

4 pieces of bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
1/2 red onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, minced
salt and pepper to taste

1 cup-ish brussel sprouts, quartered
mozzarella cheese, to taste

While the bacon is cooking, start your pasta boiling and chop up the veggies.  Add the onion, garlic and red pepper to the bacon pan, salt and pepper to taste.  Turn the bacon down low to caramelize the onion and pepper and steam the brussel sprouts until they are softened, about 5 minutes or so, drain.  Layer pasta, brussel sprouts and top with the bacon-onion-pepper mixture and a handful of mozzarella cheese.