Nduja Mac and Cheese

24m
Serves 6
facebook.com

Directions

  1. 1Cook the pasta for around 8 minutes or 2-3 minutes less than the packet directs until really al dente.
  2. 2Scoop out a load of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
  3. 3Cool under the cold tap and then leave to one side in a colander to drain.
  4. 4Drizzle the oil onto the pasta and toss it to stop it sticking.
  5. 5Meanwhile, preheat the grill to high.
  6. 6Melt the butter together with the nduja in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
  7. 7Add the flour and mix until claggy.
  8. 8Whisk in the milk, a little at a time until smooth.
  9. 9Cook out the flour in the sauce for 10 minutes on a super low heat, whisking every couple of minutes so the sauce doesn't go lumpy.
  10. 10Chuck 100g of each cheese into the sauce and add plenty of salt and pepper.
  11. 11Mix well and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted.
  12. 12Whisk in 250ml of the pasta water so that the sauce gets thinner and glossier.
  13. 13Add the pasta and mix well.
  14. 14Tip into a baking dish and scatter over the remaining cheese.
  15. 15Pop under the grill for 6-8 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  16. 16Serve immediately.

Ingredients

  • 500 g pasta shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 50 g butter
  • 80 g nduja
  • 50 g plain flour
  • 500 ml whole milk
  • 150 g gruyere cheese, grated
  • 150 g cheddar, grated
  • 150 g grated mozzarella
  • Salt and pepper

Equipment

colanderlarge saucepanbaking dishgrill

Tips

  • To prevent pasta from sticking, drizzle oil onto it and toss.
  • Whisk the sauce frequently to prevent lumps.
  • Add pasta water to the sauce for a thinner, glossier consistency.