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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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.