Begin by Heating the Oven: Adjust your oven’s temperature to 350°F (175°C) for preheating.
Boil Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Creating the Cheese Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, gently melt the butter over a moderate flame. Add the flour to the saucepan, stirring constantly, and allow it to cook for roughly one minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly.
Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add 3 cups of cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, achieving a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well coated.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the prepared mac and cheese into your chosen baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.