ad
Return to listing

Macaroni Cheese with Courgettes and Bacon

I like this made with penne, but wholewheat macaroni makes a good alternative. 


The courgettes can be replaced with leeks, broad beans or broccoli sprigs and, for a vegetarian, in addition to these the bacon can be replaced by mushrooms.

 
 

Method

Start off by bringing a panful of water to the boil, then add the macaroni together with some salt and a few drops of oil. Bring back to the boil then cook for 10 minutes. While that's happening, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying-pan and, over a medium heat, cook the courgettes and chopped bacon in it to soften and colour the courgettes. 


At the same time, in a separate pan melt the butter for the sauce and stir in the flour, then add the milk bit by bit, stirring until you have a smooth sauce. Now leave it to cook gently for 4-5 minutes, then stir in the grated cheese, a seasoning of salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg, and finally the cream. 

When the macaroni is ready, drain it in a colander, then return it to the hot saucepan, along with the courgettes and bacon. Pour in the sauce then stir to amalgamate everything well over a gentle heat, until it's all reheated. 

Then transfer the pasta mixture to the gratin dish, mix the Parmesan and breadcrumbs together, then sprinkle this all over the top. 

Sprinkle a pinch or so of cayenne over this, then arrange slices of tomato over the top. 

Place the dish under the grill for a few minutes, until the top is nicely browned.

 

Return to Homepage
 
 

Related recipes

Macaroni au Gratin Serves 3

Macaroni au Gratin

Classic macaroni cheese, with the addition of bacon and mushrooms, for winter comfort food that's cheap to make and a real pleasure to eat.

 
 
Macaroni Carbonara Serves 2

Macaroni Carbonara

Eggs, bacon, cheese and pasta - classic comfort food that's quick and easy to make when you need an impromptu supper or lunch dish.

 
 
Rigatoni and Asparagus au Gratin Serves 2

Rigatoni and Asparagus au Gratin

This is an excellent way to turn 8 oz (225 g) of asparagus stalks into a substantial supper dish for two people. Vegetarians might like to know that a vegetarian parmesan-style cheese is available from www.bookhamcheese.co.uk

 
 
Trofie Pasta Liguria (Pasta with Pesto, Potatoes and Green Beans) Serves 2

Trofie Pasta Liguria (Pasta with Pesto, Potatoes and Green Beans)

Pesto is traditionally made in Liguria, in northern Italy, where this dish is popular - a real treat for vegetarians. It may sound unusual to combine pasta and potatoes in one dish, but it works really well, so worth a try.

 
 
Spinach Gnocchi with Four Cheeses Serves 2-3

Spinach Gnocchi with Four Cheeses

Little Italian dumplings made from potato, flour and egg are a great vehicle for carrying other flavours. Here, Delia has used spinach and cheese for a vegetarian version, but you can try other variations too.

 
 
Pasta with Three Cheeses served with Shaved Fennel Salad Serves 2

Pasta with Three Cheeses served with Shaved Fennel Salad

A lovely quick and easy pasta dish for a busy weekday supper. The fennel salad adds crunch and cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce really well.

 
 
Pasta Puttanesca (Tart's Spaghetti) Serves 2

Pasta Puttanesca (Tart's Spaghetti)

Hot weather demands food that is packed with gusty flavours and this wonderful pasta recipe made with garlic, anchovies and capers won't disappoint!

 
 
Lasagne al Forno Serves 10-12

Lasagne al Forno

Time and again this classic Italian recipe appears in our top 10 of the most cooked recipes on the site. As Delia says, there are many imitations of this gorgeous dish but this is the real deal. Serve with a crisp salad.

 
 
Kitchen Garden Macaroni Serves 3-4

Kitchen Garden Macaroni

A summer pasta dish if ever there was one, this recipe combines peas and beans with a rich cream sauce. If you've got vegetarians to feed, this is perfect…

 
 
Highland Pasta with Smoked Salmon Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as a starter

Highland Pasta with Smoked Salmon

This very quick supper dish for two (or starter for four) has the luxurious addition of smoked salmon and a very moreish wine and creme fraiche sauce. Sure to become a favourite!

 
 
Gratin of Rigatoni with Roasted Vegetables Serves 4

Gratin of Rigatoni with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is a good choice for a supper dish with no meat. Oven-roasted vegetables have a magical, toasted, concentrated flavour, and they keep all their dazzling colours intact. For strict vegetarians, exclude the anchovies.

 
 
Baked Cannelloni Serves 4

Baked Cannelloni

This clever recipe uses the principles of making lasagne and adapts these to cannelloni, using no-soak lasagne, minced pork and bechamel.

 
 

 

 




 
Forums
Popular topic		 Latest post
What's cooking? Wine
22 May 2012 18:10
Food and travel Greek Islands
17 May 2012 14:16
Ingredients Meringues.
18 May 2012 09:11
Can Anyone Help? Wedding Cake
22 May 2012 17:57
Books Best Exotic and Far Pavilions
17 May 2012 13:21
Equipment baking trays
17 May 2012 20:13
Gardening strawbs and birds
16 May 2012 15:46
 
NetObserver
CMS solutions by REDtechnology.com
Site optimisation by The Web Clinic