Another winter day, another pasta bake. Hibernation-mode is definitely engaged. Increase the amount of chilli due to taste, this is on the subtle side so ramp it up if you feel the need. I used broccoli but you can swap in brussle sprouts, cauliflower, sliced cabbage - be creative!
You will feel a little like a plate spinner with all the things on the go at the same time but just keep on spinning!
Ingredients. Serves 2 hungry people! Or normal people with leftovers for breakfast...
4 Good Quality Sausages
2 Green Chillies
1 Medium Head of Broccoli
25g Butter
25g Plain Flour
400ml Milk
1tsp Ground Nutmeg
100g Cheddar Cheese
1/2 Ball of Mozzarella
Parmezan to Sprinkle
150g Dried Pasta
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Method
1. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degree fan, or equivalent. Cook your pasta according to the instructions but drain 2-3 minutes before its done, drain and set aside
2. At the same time, chop the broccoli into shards and steam or boil until just al dente. Set aside
3. In a large saucepan, gently melt the butter and stir in the flour. Give it a jolly mix and cook over the heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the milk a bit at a time and keep stirring to combine and remove any lumps
4. When all the milk is added and the sauce is smooth and thickening up, add the Cheddar cheese and nutmeg, stir and check the seasoning, set a side. It's getting busy on the side...?!
5. In a frying pan, add a glug of olive oil and your green chillies you have sliced nice and thinly. Cook for a couple of minutes. Remove the sausage meat from the skins and roll into bite size pieces and pop into the chilli oil and brown all over, about 2-3 minutes
6. Now for assembly - thus the need for a large saucepan - Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir through, add the broccoli and sausage / chilli mix and stir again. Pour the whole lovely mixture into an oven dish and ensure even distribution of the good bits. Chop the mozzarella into chunks and dot around the dish, pushing into the gaps. Sprinkle liberally with the parmesan and you are ready for the oven
7. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling
8. Stuff your face with pasta bake, salad and garlic bread if you are feeling fancy!
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