Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F;

Step 2

Prepare your "roux" for the bechamel sauce by following the steps below (check the recipe for the perfect white sauce/bechamel);

Step 3

Heat the milk and melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute;

Step 4

Add the warm milk to the butter and flour mix, and cook until the mixture thickens, whisking constantly with a spoon;

Step 5

Once the sauce is ready, add salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese and whisk until smooth;

Step 6

Stir in pasta and spoon it into a lightly greased baking dish; top with remaining cheese;

Step 7

Bake at 200°C/400°F for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly;

Step 8

Transfer the dish to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes and serve.