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- 8 oz (226g) pasta (penne or rotini works well) - 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream - 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese - 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for spice preference) - 3 slices of crispy cooked chicken (optional), chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish I use simple measurements for easy cooking. Here they are: - Ounces (oz) for weight - Cups for volume - Tablespoons (tbsp) for smaller amounts - Teaspoons (tsp) for tiny amounts When choosing your pasta, pick penne or rotini. They hold sauce well. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the dish. Heavy cream adds richness. Sharp cheddar cheese gives great flavor. Jalapeños bring heat. Adjust them based on your spice level. You can add crispy chicken for protein and flavor. Garlic makes everything better. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch. Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten up the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 8 oz of pasta, like penne or rotini. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a big saucepan, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it on medium heat. Next, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 to 2 finely chopped jalapeños. Sauté these for about 2 minutes. You want to cook them until they smell amazing. This step brings out the flavors before we add the creamy sauce. Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the pan. Then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir these together until the cheese melts and becomes smooth. This is the base of your creamy sauce. Next, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta into the creamy sauce. If you want, you can also add 3 slices of chopped crispy cooked chicken at this step. Stir everything well so that the pasta gets coated evenly in the sauce. This is where all that flavor combines. Once the pasta is coated, add the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix it in until it melts into the dish. Now, it's ready to serve! Divide the creamy jalapeño popper pasta into bowls. For a fresh touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the creamiest sauce, use softened cream cheese. This helps it melt well. Start on low heat when you add the cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Adding half of the cheddar cheese first helps create that rich texture. Don’t rush this step; let it blend perfectly. Want more heat? Add more jalapeños. You can use 1 or 2 based on your taste. If you want less spice, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños. This cuts down the heat without losing the flavor. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. Use a large pot of salted boiling water for the best results. Check the package for cooking times, but start testing a minute early. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce stick. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. You can also reduce the number of jalapeños used. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality cheeses. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the taste of your creamy sauce. Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier pasta, consider adding a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. This addition will give it a nice tang and richness. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to add or substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, sausage, or even roasted vegetables to make this dish your own! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply skip the chicken. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach instead. These add color and taste. You can also use a plant-based cream cheese for a creamy texture. This keeps the dish rich, while also being meat-free. If you want more protein, try adding shrimp or sausage. Cook them in the pan with jalapeños and garlic. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. You can also try beans for a different twist. Chickpeas or black beans work well and bring a nice texture. For cheese lovers, you can mix it up with different kinds of cheese. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Or go for pepper jack if you want extra spice. Vegan cheese options are also available. Look for brands that melt well if you prefer a dairy-free version. You can store leftover creamy jalapeño popper pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing instead. To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it from drying out. Stir often until it heats through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing this dish is a great option for meal prep. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use any pasta. Penne and rotini are great choices. They hold the sauce well. You can also try spaghetti or fettuccine. Just cook it according to package directions. To add spice, use more jalapeños. Chop them finely and mix in. You can also add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper works nicely too. These small changes will give your dish more heat. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. A fresh green salad brings balance. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty side. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. This post covered all you need to know for making Creamy Jalapeño Popper Pasta. We explored ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust spice levels and try variations like vegetarian options. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy. With these guidelines, you can create a tasty dish that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Jalapeño Popper Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with the flavors of jalapeño poppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-2 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped
  • 3 slices crispy cooked chicken (optional), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and half of the cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Mix well to combine.
  • Add the cooked pasta and optional chopped chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
  • Top the pasta with the remaining cheddar cheese, mixing it in until melted and gooey.
  • Divide the pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Adjust jalapeño quantity based on spice preference.
Keyword cheese, creamy, jalapeño, pasta