{Extra Cheesy Mac and Cheese}

I love homemade Mac and Cheese. But I probably only make it about twice a year, because lets face it, it isn't the healthiest. But it is quit the comfort food. I have made other recipes in the past and this one has become a new fav. It has a lot of cheese so it's really creamy and delicious. And the bread crumb topping adds so much more to the dish, I really loved it.

For the bread crumb topping:

2 Tbsp. butter

1  cup panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. dried parsley
Salt and pepper

For the pasta:

1 lb. pasta shapes (I used medium shell pasta)
6 Tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dry mustard
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2¼ cups chicken broth
3½ cups milk (I used whole)
16 oz package colby jack cheese, shredded
8 oz package extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Ground black pepper

To make the bread crumb topping, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add in the panko and cook, stirring frequently, until the bread crumbs are a light golden brown.  Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.  Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Add the pasta to the water and cook just until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes.  Drain the pasta and leave in the colander.

Return the pot to the heat.  Melt the butter over medium-high heat.  Stir in the garlic, dry mustard, and cayenne, cooking just until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.  Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute.  Whisk in the chicken broth and milk and continue to heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat.  Stir in the cheeses, whisking until completely melted.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Stir the drained pasta into the cheese sauce.

Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13″ baking dish.  Sprinkle with the bread crumb topping.  Bake 30-35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the bread crumbs are golden brown.  (You may want to place a baking sheet on the rack underneath the baking dish to catch any sauce that bubbles over.)

*Adapted from: Annie's Eats