Carbonara Cacio e Pepe Mac and Cheese

    10m prep time
    55m total time
    Easy level
    11 ingredients
Carbonara Cacio e Pepe Mac and Cheese recipe by Cherrypick

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. Creamy, salty, smoky pasta...sounds like a winner to us!

Method

Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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. Serve with a sharp, green salad, if you like.
  • Ingredients
  • Based on 4 servings
  • 50g Butter, plus extra for the dish
    50g Butter, plus extra for the dish 1 x Sainsbury's British Butter, Unsalted 250g
  • 50g Plain Flour
    50g Plain Flour 1 x Sainsbury's Plain Flour 500g
  • 700ml Whole Milk
    700ml Whole Milk 1 x Sainsbury's British Whole Milk 1.13L (2 pint)
  • 350g Macaroni
    350g Macaroni 1 x Sainsbury's Macaroni Pasta 500g
  • 150g Extra Mature Cheddar, Grated
    150g Extra Mature Cheddar, Grated 1 x Sainsbury's British Extra Mature Grated Cheddar Cheese 250g
  • 50g Panko Breadcrumbs
    50g Panko Breadcrumbs 1 x Sainsbury's Panko Breadcrumbs, Inspired to Cook 100g
  • 200g Smoked Pancetta, diced, or use smoked bacon rashers
    200g Smoked Pancetta, diced, or use smoked bacon rashers 2 x Sainsbury's Inspired to Cook Italian Beechwood Smoked Diced Pancetta 200g
  • 50g Parmesan, Finely grated
    50g Parmesan, Finely grated 1 x Sainsbury's Grated Parmesan Cheese 120g
  • 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
    1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper 1 x Sainsbury's Black Peppercorn Grinder 50g
  • 60g Green Salad, or green veg to serve
    60g Green Salad, or green veg to serve 1 x Sainsbury's Baby Leaf Salad 90g
  • 50g Mozzarella, Grated
    50g Mozzarella, Grated 1 x Castelli 210g Mozzarella Cheese
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