Ingredients:

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream for extra richness
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese freshly grated
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi for a gourmet twist
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter to prevent sticking
• Optional Gourmet Add-ins:
• ¼ cup white truffle oil or black truffle shavings
• ½ cup sautéed wild mushrooms
• ½ cup crispy veal bits or diced prosciutto
• 1 cup cooked lobster or crab meat

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives optional