QUICK STOVETOP MACARONI AND CHEESE

16 oz macaroni (4 cups)
1/4 cup (4 Tbsps) butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
Panko bread crumbs if desired

Boil macaroni and drain.  Melt butter in saucepan.  Over low to medium heat, stir in flour and cook til bubbly.  Add milk, stirring constantly with whisk.  Add onion powder and pepper. Continue whisking until sauce thickens.  Reduce heat and add cheese, stirring until melted.  Add macaroni, stirring to coat.  Add cooked meat or vegetables as desired.  Can be served straight from the pan or baked in a casserole dish at 375º for 30 - 40 minutes if desired.