Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 3 ounces sliced American cheese, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

1. Bring a large wide pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
2. Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and paprika; cook, whisking, until smooth and slightly darker, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and comes to a simmer, 7 to 8 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar, American cheese and cream cheese until melted.
3. Add the pasta to the sauce; toss, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt.
4. Photograph by Ryan Liebe