Mac ‘N’ Cheese with Cauliflower and Pancetta

This yummy little creation came from Hello Fresh. I really loved it. Very satisfying and tasty. It would be a great side dish, but honestly it is hearty enough to be the main attraction! Serves 2, double it for four servings.

What you'll need:

• 1 head cauliflower
• 8 oz diced pancetta
• 3 scallions
• 8 oz shredded Italian style cheese
• 1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable or chicken stock
• 6 oz pasta (Cellentani, or hollow spiral shaped), cooked and drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil plus 1 tsp for pasta
• Salt
• Pepper

What you'll do:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
• Bring a large pot of water with a large pinch of salt to a boil. 
• Add the pasta to the water and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain. 
• Toss the drained pasta with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Rinse and pat dry.
• Thinly slice the scallions, keeping the greens and whites separate.
• Toss the cauliflower on a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
• Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and scallion whites to the pan and cook, tossing, for 4-6 minutes until the pancetta is crispy. Set aside, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible.
• Make the cheese sauce:
• Heat 2 tablespoons butter in the same pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour into the butter and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Very slowly whisk the milk into the pan a little bit at a time until combined. Add the stock to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper (to taste).
• Stir the pasta, pancetta mixture, and the cauliflower into the cheese sauce, then transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Top generously with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
• Transfer dish to the oven to bake for 5-7 minutes, until bubbling.
• Garnish the macaroni and cheese with scallion greens - and enjoy!