The best pasta recipe with cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Add macaroni and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Melt 1/4 cup salted butter in a medium skillet over low heat.

Add flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown (about 5 minutes).

Gradually whisk 2 1/2 cups milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer.

Add grated Cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses.

Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened (3 to 5 minutes). Adding up to 1/2 cup more milk if needed.

Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir until well combined.

For the breadcrumb filling, melt 2 tablespoons salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs. Сook and stir until well coated and browned.

Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle with ground paprika.

Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is bubbling (about 30 minutes).