Description
Delve into the world of comfort food with this “Spicy Cheesy Pasta Delight,” a variant of the classic macaroni and cheese. This recipe blends the creamy, melty goodness of mozzarella with the bold zest of pepper jack cheese, enhanced with a hint of spicy red pepper flakes. It’s an ideal dish for those who appreciate a tangy kick to their cheesy pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as part of your weekly meal lineup, this dish promises to satisfy cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- ½ pound uncooked elbow noodles or similar short pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (preferably 2%)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat until bubbly. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously until each addition is fully incorporated and the mixture turns thick and pale yellow.
3. Add Milk and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and appears creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
4. Mix in the Cheeses
Remove the pot from the heat and blend in the shredded pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot, mixing well to ensure each noodle is thoroughly coated with the creamy, spicy cheese sauce.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes, making for a total of 25 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave it at half-power for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
The “Spicy Cheesy Pasta Delight” merges the comforting texture of classic macaroni and cheese with a bold, zesty flair, making it an alluring dish for any meal. Whether you’re a fan of tangy flavors or simply looking for a new twist on an old favorite, this recipe promises to deliver both satisfaction and warmth, perfect for any day of the year. Give it a try and add a spice kick to your comfort food repertoire!
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Spicy Cheesy Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delve into the world of comfort food with this “Spicy Cheesy Pasta Delight,” a variant of the classic macaroni and cheese. This recipe blends the creamy, melty goodness of mozzarella with the bold zest of pepper jack cheese, enhanced with a hint of spicy red pepper flakes. It’s an ideal dish for those who appreciate a tangy kick to their cheesy pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as part of your weekly meal lineup, this dish promises to satisfy cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- ½ pound uncooked elbow noodles or similar short pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (preferably 2%)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat until bubbly. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously until each addition is fully incorporated and the mixture turns thick and pale yellow.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and appears creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
- Mix in the Cheeses: Remove the pot from the heat and blend in the shredded pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot, mixing well to ensure each noodle is thoroughly coated with the creamy, spicy cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes