Creamy Jalapeño Popper Pasta

Jalapeño Popper Pasta is a creamy, decadent main dish that brings the spicy, smoky flavors of a favorite appetizer to your dinner table. Featuring roasted jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal.

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This dish transforms the classic components of jalapeño poppers—spicy peppers, cream cheese, and salty bacon—into a satisfying pasta course. It is an easy yet flavorful way to elevate a standard weeknight dinner into something truly special.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
• Bacon: 6 slices bacon, chopped
• Vegetables: 4 large jalapeños (halved, seeded, and sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, and salt to taste
• Garnish: ¼ cup (20 g) toasted panko breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Char the Peppers

While pasta cooks, place jalapeño slices on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 3-4 minutes, until lightly charred. Set aside.

3. Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.

4. Sauté Aromatics

Add onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

5. Form the Roux

Stir in the butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

6. Thicken the Base

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes.

7. Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and melted. Add salt to taste.

8. Combine Ingredients

Add roasted jalapeños and half the bacon to the sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

9. Serve

Serve immediately, topped with remaining bacon, toasted panko breadcrumbs, and chopped chives if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a silky sauce, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the skillet. Gradually whisking in the milk is the key to preventing lumps in your roux, resulting in a perfectly smooth coating for the pasta.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize the heat level by removing all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños or by using fewer peppers. For those following a vegetarian diet, simply omit the bacon. If you want to boost the protein content, diced grilled chicken makes an excellent addition.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this pasta immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. Top with the toasted panko and fresh chives for a satisfying crunch. This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing cold lager to balance the smoky heat.

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Whether you're looking for a new family favorite or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this Jalapeño Popper Pasta is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the rich, bold flavors of this American-inspired comfort classic.

Common Questions

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

Use fewer jalapeños or completely remove the seeds and membranes before roasting, as these contain the most heat. You can also substitute with mild poblano peppers for a similar flavor with less spice.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and increase the smoked paprika to ¾ teaspoon for added depth. The cheese sauce and roasted jalapeños provide plenty of rich flavor on their own.

→ What pasta shape works best?

Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridged or spiral shapes trap the creamy sauce. You can also use farfalle or rigatoni for similar results.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the pasta and prepare all components separately, then combine and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Don't let it sit in the sauce too long as pasta will absorb liquid and become mushy.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or cold lager complements the creamy sauce and spicy jalapeños beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness while the carbonation cools the heat.

→ How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting lumpy?

Whisk the milk in gradually while stirring constantly, and maintain medium heat throughout. Creating a proper roux with butter and flour first helps stabilize the sauce and prevent curdling.