Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese with Pancetta, Cavatappi and Scallions

Step 1

Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim, then thinly slice scallions, keeping greens and whites separate. Toss cauliflower on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in oven until tender, 20-25 minutes.

Step 2

Once water is boiling, add cavatappi to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium-high heat (use an ovenproof pan if you have one). Add scallion whites and half the pancetta from package (use the rest as you like). Cook, tossing, until crisp and browned at the edges, 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon, keeping as much rendered oil in pan as possible.

Step 4

Melt 1 TBSP butter in same pan over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and stir constantly until it loses its raw smell, 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in 1 cup milk (we sent more), whisking to combine. Stir in stock concentrate and let simmer until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat, then stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

Stir cavatappi, pancetta mixture, and ¾ of the cauliflower into sauce in pan. (TIP: If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer mixture to a medium, lightly oiled baking dish at this point.) Scatter remaining cauliflower over top. Bake in oven until bubbly, 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Divide mac ’n’ cheese between plates. Garnish with scallion greens and serve.