Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) box small dry pasta (such as orecchiette, shells, elbow macaroni, penne or gemelli)
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a hot sauce such as Tabasco (optional)
• 2 teaspoons paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder or wet yellow mustard (optional)
• 1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese