Cauliflower Rigatoni Cheese // Cauliflower Rigatoni Cheese with Bacon Lardons

Pop the cauliflower florets on a baking tray and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over the dried oregano. Toss to coat then roast on the top shelf of your oven until golden and tender, 15-20 mins.

Meanwhile, once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni to the water. Simmer until cooked, 12 mins. Once cooked, drain in a colander, pop back in the pan and stir through a little oil to stop it sticking together. Pop the panko breadcrumbs into a bowl and add the oil (see ingredients for amount). Season with salt and pepper and mix together.

Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil (see ingredients for amount) and bacon lardons. Stir-fry until golden, 3-4 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. Cook lardons thoroughly. Add the onion to the pan with the lardons. Cook until softened and golden, 5-6 mins then stir in the flour. Cook until it forms a paste consistency, 1-2 mins. Gradually, stir in the water (see ingredients for amount) and the stock paste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer until thickened, 1-2 mins, stirring continuously. Mix in the creme fraiche, then remove from the heat.

Add the Cheddar to the sauce and stir until melted. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Add the cooked pasta and cauliflower to the sauce and stir to combine with a splash of water to loosen if you need to. Pour into a medium-sized ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the top, then bake on the top shelf of your oven until the crumbs are golden, 8-10 mins. Once cooked, remove from your oven.

While the pasta bakes, pop the cider vinegar into a medium bowl and add the olive oil (see ingredients for amount) and a pinch of sugar (if you have some). Season with salt and pepper and mix together. Once the pasta is cooked, add the rocket to the dressing and toss to coat. Serve the cauliflower rigatoni cheese with the salad alongside and enjoy!