Bacon, Pea and Basil Macaroni

• bacon strips↗6

  cut

• leek↗2

  thinly sliced into rings

• vegetable oil↗1 ст. л. tbsp
• frozen peas↗140 g
• macaroni↗400 g
• packet of soft cheese200 g
• cheddar↗85 g

  grated

• English mustard↗1 ст. л. tbsp
• basil↗невеликий пучок

  chopped

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Sauté the bacon and leeks in vegetable oil for 10 minutes until the bacon is golden and the leeks are tender. Add the frozen peas and heat for 2–3 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni al dente, reserving 150 ml of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. 2

   Into the skillet with the vegetables pour the reserved water, add the soft cheese, half of the grated cheese, and the mustard. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add most of the chopped basil, the drained macaroni, and toss quickly. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top.

3. 3

   Place the skillet under the grill (or in the oven) for 2–3 minutes until the top is browned and the cheese melts. Serve, garnished with the remaining basil.