Add the jalapenos, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, ¼ teaspoons red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Carefully pour in the milk and whisk to ensure all there are no flour lumps. Heat until the milk steams.
2 cups whole milk
Combine the cream cheese and stir constantly until the cream cheese melts. The mixture will begin to thicken.
4 ounces block-style cream cheese
After the cream cheese melts, remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the cheese a little at a time, stirring intermittently.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Once the cheese is incorporated, taste the sauce and add salt.
Pour the sauce over the cooked noodles and stir to coat.
8 ounces short pasta
Place the macaroni and cheese into the prepared casserole dish.
Topping
Place 1 tablespoon of butter and breadcrumbs in a small skillet over low heat. Stir to combine. Continue to stir until the breadcrumbs begin to brown slightly then remove from heat.
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Add the panko breadcrumbs and press lightly so the breadcrumbs adhere to the noodles.
Bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
To get a crunchy, golden crust, turn the broiler on low for the last 2-3 minutes. Remove and serve.
Notes
The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients and a serving size of approximately 2-ounces of uncooked pasta (about 1 to 1 1/2-cups of the finished dish). Actual calories will vary.