Classic Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 220 g of pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups grated sharp yellow cheddar (about 100 g)
• 80 g thin slices American cheese, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 60 g cream cheese, cut into small pieces

Preparation:

1. Bring a large, wide saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the horns and cook according to package directions. Set aside 0.5 cups of the pasta cooking water and discard the rest.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, mustard powder, and paprika; cook, stirring to distribute evenly, until the butter begins to darken, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and begins to simmer, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, American cheese, and cream cheese until melted.
3. Add the pasta to the sauce; stir, adding some of the cooking water if necessary if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt to taste.