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
Scale
- 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