Paula's Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni 
• 0.5 cup flour all-purpose
• 0.3 cup basil fresh chopped
• 0.3 cup parsley fresh chopped
• 1.5 cups grape tomatoes halved
• 4 cups milk 
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs Japanese breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 3 cups sharp cheddar shredded
• 3 tablespoons butter unsalted

Equipment

• bowl
• sauce pan
• oven
• whisk
• baking pan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the pasta until tender.
3. Drain. In a small bowl, combine the panko and parsley. Set aside.
4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
5. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a whisk. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
6. Add the cheese, stirring constantly until thick and creamy.
7. Add the macaroni, tomatoes, basil and salt. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved panko mixture.
8. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.