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Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

A rich, creamy, spicy pasta coated in silky pepper jack cheese sauce with garlic and warm spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta penne, shells, or rigatoni
Pepper Jack Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1.5 cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups pepper jack cheese shredded
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • salt to taste
  • jalapeños optional
Toppings
  • parsley chopped
  • extra pepper jack cheese

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente and reserve pasta water.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic.
  3. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth; simmer until thickened.
  5. Stir in pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  7. Add pasta and toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed.
  8. Serve with parsley, extra cheese, and jalapeños.

Notes

Add chicken or shrimp for extra protein.