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Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

An irresistibly creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring a velvety Pepper Jack cheese sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Base
  • 12 oz short pasta (cavatappi, fusilli, penne)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large shallot finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 oz American cheese torn into pieces
  • 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese freshly grated from a block
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Box Grater
  • Tongs or Large Spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and add smoked paprika and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Add the American cheese to the cream, whisking continuously until completely melted and smooth.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually add the grated Pepper Jack cheese, whisking constantly until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Whisk in the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and sliced jalapeño. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, always grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Control the spice level by using mild Pepper Jack or adding a pinch of cayenne for more heat.