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Creamy Easy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Recipe Perfect for Family Dinners

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A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a gentle spicy kick from fresh jalapeños, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) short pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (leave seeds in for extra heat)
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%, dairy-free alternatives optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons (28g) butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 finely diced jalapeños and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and jalapeños start to soften but not brown. Stir often to avoid burning garlic.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 4 ounces (115g) softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until cream cheese melts smoothly into the butter and jalapeños. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240ml) milk, stirring constantly to combine. Heat gently to form a smooth sauce without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 sliced green onions. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Add a splash more milk if sauce feels too thick.
  5. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta with the creamy jalapeño popper sauce. Heat together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally sprinkle crispy bacon bits or extra shredded cheese on top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use low and slow heat to melt cream cheese to avoid curdling. Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat. Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Stir pasta into sauce off heat to keep noodles silky. Non-stick skillet recommended for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, family dinner, spicy pasta, quick pasta recipe, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-easy-jalape-n-o-popper-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-family-dinners/