Shaved asparagus adds a bright note to this fast and easy weeknight classic. The thin green ribbons give the creamy fettuccine a perfect pop of color and spring flavor.

Ingredient

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving, optional
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 pound jumbo asparagus
• 8 ounces fettuccine
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Direction

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Mix the Parmesan, egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper together in a medium bowl; set aside.
2. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus stalks. Use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus into thin wide ribbons. (The last strip of asparagus will be a little thicker than the others, but it is fine to use.) Set aside.
3. Cook the fettuccine in the boiling water according to the package instructions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
4. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons bacon fat from the skillet. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium low, add the drained pasta and asparagus and toss until well coated and mixed with the bacon. 
5. Whisk 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water into the egg mixture, then quickly pour it over the pasta and toss to gently cook the eggs and make a creamy sauce. Thin out the mixture with more pasta water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with the parsley and more Parmesan if desired.