Bacon Crusted Cheese & Spinach Penne Bake with Balsamic Dressed Salad

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 01:06:02 GMT

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7.

Step 2

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with 1/2 tsp salt for the pasta.

Step 3

Grate the cheese.

Step 4

When boiling, add the penne to the water and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

Step 5

Pop the spinach into a colander in your sink.

Step 6

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it over the spinach so it's wilted and piping hot. Drizzle the penne with a little oil to prevent it from sticking. Set aside.

Step 7

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.

Step 8

Once the oil is hot, add the bacon lardons and stir-fry until lightly browned, 1-2 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat.

Step 9

Pour the bacon and its fat into a medium bowl. Mix in the breadcrumbs and olive oil for the crumb (see pantry for amount), season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine. Set aside.

Step 10

Pop your (now empty) frying pan back on medium-high heat with the butter (see pantry for amount).

Step 11

Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour (see pantry for amount). Cook until it forms a paste, 1-2 mins - you've made a roux!

Step 12

Gradually stir in the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) and chicken stock paste. Bring to the boil, then stir and simmer until thickened, 1-2 mins.

Step 13

Stir in the mixed herbs and creme fraiche, then remove from the heat.

Step 14

Add the grated Cheddar to the sauce and stir until melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 15

Stir the cooked pasta and spinach into the sauce until combined. Add a splash of water to loosen if you need to.

Step 16

Pour the creamy pasta into an ovenproof dish, then sprinkle the bacon crumb evenly over the top. Bake on the top shelf of your oven until golden, 8-10 mins. IMPORTANT: Cook bacon thoroughly.

Step 17

When everything's ready, serve the penne bake in bowls with a handful of rocket alongside, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the leaves.

Step 18

Enjoy!

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