Description
Pepper jack cheesy pasta delight brings together bold southwestern flavors in a comforting meal. Creamy cheese sauce and spicy peppers combine for a satisfying dinner you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups (170 g / 6 oz) shredded pepper jack cheese
- 0.5 cup (57 g / 2 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 lb (226 g) elbow noodles or similar short pasta
- 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) milk (2% recommended)
- 3 tbsps (42 g / 1.5 oz) unsalted butter
- 3 tbsps (23 g) all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook elbow noodles until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving the vessel for the upcoming sauce creation.
- Roux Foundation: Melt butter in the same pot over medium-high heat until it becomes golden and frothy. Gradually whisk in flour, creating a smooth paste that transforms into a rich, amber-hued base with a nutty aroma.
- Sauce Transformation: Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumping. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a velvety, luxurious sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
- Cheese Fusion: Remove from heat and incorporate pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt completely, creating a glossy, smooth cheese sauce that promises intense flavor and creamy texture.
- Final Assembly: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the molten cheese mixture, ensuring each noodle is thoroughly enrobed in the spicy, creamy sauce. Serve immediately, allowing the dish’s vibrant flavors and luxurious consistency to captivate the palate.
Notes
- Control Pasta Texture: Cook elbow noodles exactly 8-9 minutes for perfect al dente consistency, avoiding mushy or undercooked pasta.
- Prevent Sauce Lumps: Whisk continuously while adding milk to roux, ensuring smooth and silky sauce without unwanted clumps.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from heat before adding cheeses to prevent scorching and maintain creamy, glossy sauce texture.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Modify red pepper flakes quantity to personalize heat intensity, balancing subtle warmth with individual spice preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 464
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg