Cauliflower and Bacon Pasta

Serves: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 35 Minutes

Ready In: 50 mins

8 oz - streaky bacon

10 oz - dried pasta (macaroni by preference)

1 medium - cauliflower

1 oz - butter

1 oz - plain flour

10 fl oz - milk

1 teaspoon - Dijon mustard

5 oz - grated Cheddar cheese

1 - soft wholemeal roll, whizzed to breadcrumbs

Heat the grill to high and bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Grill the bacon slices for 5 mins or until crispy, then drain on kitchen paper and cut into small pieces.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Cook the pasta and the cauliflower together in the salted water following pack instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes). At this point, the cauliflower should be just tender. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking water.
To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a small pan over a low heat, then stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring all the time. Gradually stir in the milk, mixing well between each addition. Bring to a simmer, then cook for a few minutes until thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the mustard and half the grated cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Tip the pasta and cauliflower back into the pan along with the reserved cooking water. Add the cheese sauce and the bacon bits. Stir well and then transfer the mix to a baking dish. Mix together the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese and sprinkle over the pasta. Cook for 5 minutes under the grill until browned. Serve with a salad, if you like, or just on its own.