If you’re craving a bowl of creamy, cheesy comfort with just the right kick of heat, this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta delivers everything you want — and then some. It’s rich, velvety, spicy, quick to make, and unbelievably satisfying. The sauce is molten, silky smooth, and infused with the perfect amount of pepper jack cheese, giving every bite an irresistible spicy-cheddar flavor.

This dish is the perfect weeknight pasta: fast, indulgent, flavor-packed, and made entirely with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The creamy pepper jack sauce coats each noodle like velvet, creating a luxurious texture reminiscent of your favorite restaurant-style creamy pasta — but with bold Southwest-inspired heat.

Whether you enjoy mild heat or love spicy food, this pasta adapts beautifully. You can keep it lightly spicy or intensify the fire with jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce. It’s comfort food with a kick — and exactly the kind of dish people request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

1. Ready in under 25 minutes

This is one of the fastest, creamiest pasta dishes — perfect for busy nights.

2. Spicy and cheesy in perfect balance

Pepper jack cheese brings creaminess, heat, and flavor without needing too many seasonings.

3. Incredibly creamy texture

Butter, cream, and broth help the cheese melt into a smooth, silky sauce — no graininess, no clumps.

4. Customizable spice level

You can go mild or go fiery.

5. Works with any pasta shape

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, cavatappi — all become delicious with this sauce.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi)

For the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups freshly grated pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• Chopped parsley for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain the rest.

2. Make the Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce

4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in flour to create a smooth roux.
7. Slowly pour in cream and broth, whisking constantly.
8. Bring to a gentle simmer.
9. Add paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
10. Lower heat and slowly add pepper jack cheese, stirring until melted and silky.

3. Combine Pasta with Sauce

11. Add cooked pasta into the skillet.
12. Stir until the sauce fully coats the noodles.
13. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce extra creamy.

4. Finish the Dish

14. Add diced jalapeño if you want extra heat.
15. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

A rich, velvety, spicy pepper jack cheese pasta that’s ready in under 25 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor for the perfect weeknight comfort meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Southwest

Calories: 640

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 12 oz pasta rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi

Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese freshly grated
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 jalapeño finely diced, optional
• 0.25 cup pasta water reserved
• 0.25 cup parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Pasta pot
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve pasta water and drain.
2. Melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Whisk in flour, then add cream and broth.
4. Simmer and add paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Lower heat and add pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Toss pasta in sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
7. Add jalapeño if desired and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated pepper jack cheese for the smoothest sauce.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Use freshly grated cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Keep the heat low when adding cheese

High heat can cause cheese to separate.

Adjust the heat easily

• Mild: Reduce or skip jalapeño and red pepper flakes.
• Medium: Follow the recipe as written.
• Hot: Add extra jalapeño or 1 tablespoon hot sauce.

Add pasta water as needed

It gives the sauce the perfect glossy texture.

Use the right pasta shape

Ridged or hollow noodles hold the creamy sauce best.

Variations

Creamy Chicken Pepper Jack Pasta

Add sliced cooked chicken breast.

Bacon Pepper Jack Pasta

Crispy bacon bits add smoky flavor.

Veggie Version

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.

Southwest Style

Add corn, black beans, and green chilies.

Creamy Pepper Jack Shrimp Pasta

Cook shrimp separately and toss into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli
• Side salad
• Grilled chicken
• Sautéed vegetables

Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of milk before warming.