Creamy Jalapeño Popper Pasta (Printable version)

Creamy penne with roasted jalapeños, crispy bacon, and rich cheese sauce. Spicy comfort food that's ready in under 40 minutes.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Bacon

02 - 6 slices bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables

03 - 4 large jalapeños, halved, seeded, and sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Cheese Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 2 cups whole milk
09 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - Salt to taste

→ Garnish

15 - ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

# How to make it:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Place jalapeño slices on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly charred. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
04 - Add onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
05 - Stir in the butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 - Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, approximately 3 minutes.
07 - Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and melted. Season with salt to taste.
08 - Add roasted jalapeños and half the bacon to the sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
09 - Transfer to serving plates immediately. Top with remaining bacon, toasted panko breadcrumbs, and chopped chives if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It delivers all the creamy, spicy, smoky flavor of jalapeño poppers without the frying mess.
  • The combination of three cheeses creates a sauce so velvety it coats every noodle perfectly.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on your mood and your crowd.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight indulgence.
02 -
  • Always soften your cream cheese before adding it to the sauce, or you'll end up chasing lumps around the pan with a whisk.
  • Don't skip the broiling step for the jalapeños, the char transforms them from sharp and vegetal to sweet and smoky.
  • If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up without losing that creamy texture.
03 -
  • Toast your panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until golden before sprinkling them on top, it adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded bags, the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can make your sauce grainy instead of smooth.
  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, it's starchy and salty, perfect for thinning the sauce if it gets too thick.
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