SMOKY CHEESE AND BACON PASTA BAKE

Ingredients

200g (7 oz) dried penne pasta
1 onion, finely chopped
80g (3 oz) bacon, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp plain flour
1 lemon, zested
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chilli powder
200ml (7 fl oz) milk
200ml (7 fl oz) vegetable stock
100g (31/2 oz) smoked cheddar, grated
Freshly chopped parsley to garnish

Method

Preheat oven to: 200˚C / 400˚F / Gas 6.
Cook the pasta until al dente in boiling salted water. Cook the onion and bacon in the olive oil until lightly browned. Add the flour, lemon zest, minced garlic and spices and mix well. Add the milk and stock, stirring to combine. Bring to the boil and then simmer, stirring occasionally for about 6-10 minutes. Stir in the cheese, reserving a little to sprinkle on top, and add the pasta. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Pour the pasta mixture into an ovenproof casserole dish and top with a little extra cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with parsley before serving.