Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese

 From DELISH my son-in-law loved it!! Also very easy to make!

• 4 Tbsp. 

  butter

• 4 Tbsp. 

  all-purpose flour

• 2 c. 

  milk

• 1 c. 

  heavy cream

• 1/2 tsp. 

  ground mustard

• 1/8 tsp. 

  cayenne pepper

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 5 1/2 c. 

  shredded cheddar 

• 1 lb. 

  cavatappi (we used gemelli)

1. Step 1
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 
3. Step 2In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and cook until golden and smells nutty, about 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking. Continue whisking until no lumps remain and mixture thickens, 1 to 2 minutes more. 
4. Step 3Add cream, ground mustard, and cayenne and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then turn off heat and whisk in cheese until completely melted. 
5. Step 4Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain. 
6. Step 5Add 1/4 cup pasta water to cheese sauce and stir to combine. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen sauce as necessary.