Ham and Cheese Casserole

0 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook noodles according to package instructions minus 2 minutes, reserving a ½ cup of pasta water for later.
1 In a large sauce pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let melt over medium heat. Add ¼ cup flour, and toss until all butter is absorbed.
2 Add the milk a ½ cup at a time, then add salt and pepper. Whisk to combine until smooth. Add in the cream, then the mustard and paprika, and whisk to combine again.
3 Add the shredded cheese to the creamy sauce, then turn the heat to medium low and stir until the cheese is totally melted. Keep scraping the bottom of the pan to make sure it doesn't burn. If your cheese sauce does not look creamy and gravy-like, whisk the pasta water into the sauce.
4 In a 9x13 casserole dish, add the noodles, chopped ham, and cheese sauce. Toss to combine.
5 In a separate bowl, melt a ½ stick of butter, toss it with the bread crumbs, and then sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over top of the casserole.
6 Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then let the casserole broil for 2 minutes. Let cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!