Description
Mediterranean pasta with spicy cheesy pasta delight recipe blends zesty jalapeños and creamy parmesan for an unforgettable meal. Culinary enthusiasts will savor complex layers of heat and richness that invite pure comfort at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ pound (226 grams) elbow noodles or similar short pasta
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (57 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsps (42 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk (2%)
- 3 tbsps (23 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boiling Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving the pasta in a separate vessel.
- Roux Crafting: Melt butter in the same pot over medium-high heat. Whisk flour into the melted butter, creating a smooth, golden base while preventing any clumping. The mixture should transform into a pale, silky foundation.
- Sauce Development: Gradually pour milk into the roux, continuously whisking to create a luxurious, creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, building layers of flavor and subtle spiciness.
- Cheese Integration: Remove from heat and fold in pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt completely, forming a velvety, smooth sauce that clings seductively to the pasta.
- Final Assembly: Combine the drained pasta with the spicy cheese sauce, ensuring each strand is generously and evenly coated. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, capturing the dish’s optimal temperature and creamy texture.
Notes
- Master Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite with slight resistance.
- Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, even sauce.
- Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter continuously to avoid burning and develop a rich, golden base that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes carefully to balance heat – start with a small amount and taste, allowing personal heat preference to guide seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg