The BEST Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

INGREDIENTS

16 oz

elbow macaroni (cooked (or other tubular pasta))

1 tbsp

extra virgin olive oil

6 tbsp

unsalted butter

jalapeños (seeded, membranes removed, and diced)

1/3 cup

all purpose flour

3 cups

whole milk

1 cup

heavy whipping cream

6 oz

cream cheese (cut into cubes)

2 tsp

TABASCO® Sauce

4 cups

sharp cheddar cheese ( shredded)

1 1/2 cups

mozzarella cheese (shredded)

12 oz

bacon (cooked and crumbled)

1 1/2 cups

panko crumbs

4 tbsp

butter (melted)

1/2 cup

Parmesan cheese (shredded)

1/4 tsp

smoked paprika (or regular paprika)