Preheat your milk in the microwave for 45 seconds - just enough to take the chill out of it.
Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat and let it heat until it becomes foamy.
Add garlic and cook for a minute in the butter.
Mix in flour. Make sure flour and butter are fully combined before moving to the next step.
Slowly add warmed milk to the butter mixture 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk it continually until combined.
Once all of the milk is incorporated, continue to heat the sauce while stirring. Do not let it boil. The sauce is ready for the cheese when you rub a small amount between your fingers and it feels silky.
Remove from heat and stir in your cheese and mustard until it's melted and mixed into the sauce.
Once the cheese is melted, use a cooked noodle to taste your sauce. If it doesn’t taste cheesy enough try adding a little salt to bring out the flavor.
Combine the pasta and sauce.
Spread your mac and cheese in an oven safe dish.
Layer mozzarella sticks on top of your pasta and spread the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
Broil for 3 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.
Top with a drizzle of marinara sauce before serving.
