Irresistible Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese

IRRESISTIBLE BAKED SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE
16 oz. Cavatappi pasta
6 T. butter, divided
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
1 t. cayenne (or to taste)
1 t. kosher salt
1 t. black pepper
¼ c. flour
4 c. half and half
12 oz. shredded gruyere cheese
12 oz. shredded white cheddar cheese
2 lbs. medium raw shrimp, peeled, patted dry
¾ c. panko breadcrumbs
¼ c. grated Parmesan
Chopped fresh parsley, garnish

1. Preheat oven 400.
2. Measure out the half and half and set aside.
3. Spray 9×13” baking dish with PAM and set aside.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions (slightly less than al dente). Drain well and set aside.
5. In large skillet over medium heat, add 4 T. butter and melt.
6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper to butter.
7. Stir constantly for 30 seconds.
8. Add flour to pan and whisk to combine. Cook 2 minutes, stir constantly.
9. Slowly stream in half and half, whisk constantly, until lump free.
10. Turn up heat a bit. Bring mixture to a simmer and simmer until thickened, stir occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
11. In large bowl, mix together the gruyere and cheddar cheese.
12. Remove skillet from heat and add of the mixed cheese. Fold until cheese is melted.
13. Add cook pasta and shrimp to skillet. Fold to combine with the sauce.
14. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
15. In a small bowl, melt remaining 2 T. butter. Add panko and grated Parmesan. Stir to mix well.
16. Add remaining cheeses to top of dish.
17. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
18. Bake 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. If desired, place dish under broiler for a couple of minutes to toast breadcrumbs.
19. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.