Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Boiling the Pasta Cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Preparation of the Cheese Sauce In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, then reduce the heat to low.

Adding the Cheeses Add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the ground mustard, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.

Combining the Pasta and Cheese Sauce Add the cooked elbow macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Baking the Macaroni and Cheese Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top, if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.