Coquillettes au Jambon - French Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Cook pasta per packet directions, scoop out 1 cup of water just before draining. In the same pot, melt butter, cook flour 2 min. Whisk in milk. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg, stir in cheese until melted. Stir in ham, then 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Toss with pasta until coated, serve.

Cook pasta - Bring a large pot of water and salt to the boil. Cook pasta according to packet instructions. I always like to give a few stirs at the beginning so they don't stick to each other.

Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and give the pasta brief rinse under cold water. Set aside and keep the pot for the sauce.