Bacon Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 2 cups) of any pasta of your choice
6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Directions:
1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2.Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
3.In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown and begins to smell nutty.
4.Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5.Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping.
6.Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Adjust the seasonings to taste.
7.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon.
8.Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and bacon. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
9.Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
10.sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top
11.Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.