Leek and chicken macaroni cheese

Method

Preheat your oven to 180˚C/ 350˚F/gas mark 4.

In a bowl, rub together the breadcrumbs with the butter, garlic and mixed herbs. Set aside.

Season the chicken and add a splash of olive oil to a large ovenproof frying pan. Brown the chicken all over and then remove to a plate. Add the leeks to the same pan with some butter and cook gently until softened. Sprinkle over the flour, stirring to mix it into the leeks before adding the milk, little by little (you can add it a little more quickly halfway through). When you have a smooth sauce, turn off the heat, add the cheese and, again, stir it in.

Tip the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well. Taste for seasoning. Place the chicken back in the frying pan and scatter over the breadcrumb mixture. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Serve with steamed greens or lightly dressed salad leaves.

Sometimes we need a little comfort and this dish fulfills that need deliciously