Delicious Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese (Creamy Baked Pasta)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) cavatappi or elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the pasta water
• 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, warmed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz (115 g) Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz (115 g) fontina cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz (115 g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 2 oz (55 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional