Protein-Packed Baked Mac 'n Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
3. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook sausage, turning once, until browned, 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4. In same pot, reduce heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then whisk in Dijon, paprika and milk until fully incorporated. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until smooth. Fold in pasta, sausage and peas; transfer to prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in panko, then sprinkle over mac and cheese. Bake, uncovered, until golden and bubbly, 12–15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.