Hey y'all! If you love creamy, cheesy pasta with a little kick, you're in for a delicious treat. This Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that's super easy to whip up, bursting with bold flavors thanks to the spicy pepper jack cheese, and perfect for cozy nights in, casual gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Craving something satisfying, spicy, and soul-soothing? Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
- Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy sauce with a spicy pepper jack kick.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Comforting, crowd-pleasing dish for family or friends.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add shredded pepper jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and silky.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Turn the heat to low, then add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- Always shred cheese from a block for the creamiest, smoothest sauce—pre-shredded blends don’t melt as well.
- Adjust the heat easily by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
- If you want ultra-silky sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
Variations
- Chicken Pepper Jack Pasta: Stir in cooked, sliced chicken breast for extra protein.
- Veggie Version: Add sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini.
- Bacon Boost: Top with crispy bacon or pancetta crumbles for a savory twist.
Required Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Colander
- Cheese grater
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside roasted veggies or grilled chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-style touch.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente texture lets the sauce cling beautifully.
- Stir sauce constantly to avoid lumps or burning.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent it from splitting or turning grainy.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Use any pasta you love—fusilli, rigatoni, or shells work great with creamy sauces.
- How spicy is Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta?
- The pepper jack provides a gentle heat, but add more red pepper flakes if you’re a spice lover or reduce for a milder version.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
-
1Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
2In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
-
3Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
-
4Stir in the pepper jack cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
-
5Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
-
6Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy pepper jack sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply