Bacon and Cauli Mac & Cheese

Steps

1. Cook cauliflower and pasta Bring a pot of hot salted tap water to the boil with a lid. Roughly chop cauliflower into small pieces. Add pasta and cauliflower to pot of boiling water and cook for about 8 minutes, until both are just tender. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain well. Return to pot with a drizzle of oil.
2. Toast breadcrumbs Heat a drizzle of oil and a knob of butter in a fry-pan on medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, garlic and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove from heat and wipe pan clean.
3. Cook bacon and leek Roughly chop bacon. Cut leek in half lengthways and thinly slice. Heat a drizzle of oil in same fry-pan on high heat. Cook bacon and leek for 5-7 minutes, until starting to colour. Add to pot with cooked and drained pasta. Keep pan on heat and reduce to low-medium.
4. Make sauce Melt butter in pan, add mac & cheese spices and flour, cook stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in cream, milk and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, until thickened. Stir frequently.
5. To finish Roughly chop spinach. When sauce has thickened, stir in cheese and spinach, season to taste. If sauce is too thick add a little more water or milk. Pour into pot with cooked pasta and stir to combine.
6. Serve mac and cheese sprinkled with breadcrumbs.