Name: Carbonara cacio e pepe mac & cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 50g butter plus extra for the dish; 150g smoked diced pancetta; 1 tsp cracked black pepper; 50g plain flour; 700ml whole milk; 350g macaroni; 150g extra mature cheddar grated; 50g parmesan finely grated; 50g grated mozzarella; 50g panko breadcrumbs

Carbonara cacio e pepe mac & cheese

Combine three classic dishes to make the ultimate version of this timeless pasta bake. To make it veggie, leave out the pancetta and use vegetarian cheeses

55 min total 10 min prep 45 min cook 4 980 cal

Instructions

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1 Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat until sizzling, then fry the pancetta for 5-6 mins until crisp and golden. Turn the heat down to low, add the black pepper and cook for 2 mins until well toasted. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 min more, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 mins, stirring until thickened.
2 Meanwhile, cook the macaroni following pack instructions until al dente, then drain. Take the sauce off the heat and stir through the cheddar and half the parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and season if needed, then mix in the pasta. At the last minute, stir through the mozzarella.
3 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and butter a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish. Spoon in the pasta and smooth the top. Scatter over the panko crumbs and remaining parmesan and bake for 25-30 mins until golden and bubbling.