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Irresistible Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe You Must Try

Byantaki antaki
REAMY PEPPER JACK PASTA
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Hello, dear friends! Let me take you back to a cozy evening at home, where the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the kitchen in hues of golden light. It was one of those nights where the air was rich with the aroma of food just beginning to bubble and sizzle on the stove. My favorite part? The comforting sound of pasta cooking away, ready to transform into a delicious feast. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you all the wonderful details of my beloved REAMY PEPPER JACK PASTA, the dish that effortlessly pulls together any weeknight dinner and always brings a smile to my face. Every time I make this, it feels like wrapping myself in a warm blanket — cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure with me?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for busy weeknights — quick and easy!
  • Deliciously creamy without needing tons of heavy cream.
  • Can be made vegetarian-friendly and easily customized.
  • Budget-friendly ingredients, quick to whip up!
  • Melty, spicy pepper jack cheese adds a cozy kick.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 ounces of penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (more punch than powder!)
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup of half-and-half (for that creamy texture)
  • 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the cooking process!

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water!
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The smell of the onions will be heavenly!
  3. Add the Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, or you’ll end up with a bitter taste.
  4. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook until they start to soften, around 2-3 minutes. Oh, the colors! Your kitchen is going to look so vibrant right about now.
  5. Mix in the Liquids: Pour in the broth and half-and-half. Increase the heat slightly and let it come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens!
  6. Cheesy Goodness: Gradually add the shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixture, stirring constantly until it melts and everything becomes one beautiful, gooey sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  7. Add the Pasta: Once your sauce is creamy and dreamy, toss in the cooked penne pasta. Make sure it’s well-coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Give it a good taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Serve your creamy pepper jack pasta warm, topped with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy it straight out of the skillet for that rustic feel, or dish it up for yourself and your loved ones!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic creamy pepper jack pasta, let’s have some fun with variations!

  • Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just a pinch can elevate this dish to new heights!
  • Protein Boost: Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed bell peppers make fantastic additions.
  • Veggie Twist: Feel like sneaking in more veggies? Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delightful — just toss them in when you add the tomatoes.
  • Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or chives for a fresh twist on the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, my friends, this creamy pepper jack pasta is just begging to be served with a crisp side salad and some crusty bread for dipping. Picture it: a glass of crisp white wine or a chilled sparkling water, perhaps? It’s the perfect pairing for this dish. You can almost hear the gentle clinking of the glasses and the laughter of friends gathered around the table. Cozy, right?

Storage Tips

Now, if you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before diving in again!
  • Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to a month. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once thawed.
  • Reheat: For the best results, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of half-and-half or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, cheddar or mozzarella works great. For more exotic flavors, try gouda or smoked cheese! Just remember, the creaminess might differ, so tweak the half-and-half as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Sure! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, too! You’re all set for a delicious meal.

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can definitely make a vegan version! Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use vegan cheese that melts well for that creamy consistency.

How spicy is the pepper jack cheese?

The spice level varies by brand, but generally, pepper jack has a moderate kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, you might want to adjust the amount or mix in some mild cheese.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this creamy pepper jack pasta as I am to share it! It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, perfect for any night that needs a little extra coziness. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, or if you tried any fun variations! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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REAMY PEPPER JACK PASTA

Irresistible Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe You Must Try

  • Author: antaki
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Discover a delightful creamy pepper jack pasta dish thats easy to make and bursting with flavor Perfect for any pasta lover 145 chars

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces of penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup of half-and-half
  • 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

    • Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Incorporate the Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook until they start to soften, around 2-3 minutes.
  • Mix in the Liquids: Pour in the broth and half-and-half. Increase the heat slightly and let it come to a gentle simmer.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Gradually add the shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixture, stirring constantly until it melts.
  • Add the Pasta: Once your sauce is creamy, toss in the cooked penne pasta. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Garnish and Serve: Serve warm, topped with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

    • Notes

    A cozy and delicious creamy pepper jack pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights, featuring penne pasta, spicy pepper jack cheese, and customizable ingredients.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Dinner
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 4 servings
    • Calories: 400
    • Sugar: 2 grams
    • Fat: 20 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
    • Fiber: 3 grams
    • Protein: 15 grams

    Keywords: creamy pasta, pepper jack cheese, weeknight dinner, pasta recipe

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