Creating Smoked Baked Mac + Cheese Rigatoni is straightforward. Follow these steps for a splendid outcome:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the dish cooks evenly.

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

5. Seasoning: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

6. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the smoked cheese and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.

8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

9. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the pasta for a crispy topping.

10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.

11. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

These simple steps will lead you to create an amazing Smoked Baked Mac + Cheese Rigatoni that’s sure to delight!