Introduction

Carbonara cacio e pepe mac & cheese is a delightful twist on two classic Italian flavors combined with a beloved comfort food. This dish features smoky pancetta, a peppery kick, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect meal for cozy dinners or impressing guests with something familiar yet elevated.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. A slice is being lifted by a fork, revealing stretchy, creamy cheese and soft macaroni noodles in a light yellow sauce. The slice is placed on a stack of off-white plates set on a white marbled surface, with melted cheese stretching between the dish and the fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to sizzle. Add the smoked pancetta and fry for 5-6 minutes until it’s crisp and golden.

Step 2: Reduce the heat to low, add the cracked black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes to toast the pepper well.

Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well.

Step 6: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated cheddar and half of the parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then fold in the mozzarella just before baking.

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Butter a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish and spoon in the macaroni mixture, smoothing the top.

Step 9: Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan over the top, then bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbling.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky depth, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika alongside the pancetta.

Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor in the seasoning.

Swap macaroni for other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if preferred.

To make this dish vegetarian, omit the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the mac & cheese up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well to create a crunchy topping. You can also omit the topping for a softer finish.