Description
Fiery flavors dance through this Spicy Cheesy Pasta Delight, creating a symphony of bold Italian-inspired comfort. Melted cheese and zesty spices blend seamlessly, promising a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep cravings with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ pound (226 grams) elbow noodles or similar short pasta
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (57 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk (preferably 2%)
Spices and Thickeners:
- 3 tablespoons (23 grams) all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until tender yet firm, typically following package recommendations. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving it in a separate bowl.
- Return the emptied pot to the stovetop, setting the heat to medium-high. Introduce butter and allow it to melt, creating a bubbling surface. Gradually sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, pale golden roux.
- Stream milk into the roux incrementally, maintaining vigorous whisking to develop a velvety, thickening sauce. Enhance the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a spirited dash of red pepper flakes to ignite a subtle heat.
- Remove the pot from direct heat and incorporate shredded pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses. Stir diligently until the cheeses dissolve completely, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, silky consistency.
- Reunite the drained pasta with the molten cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta strand becomes lavishly coated with the spicy, creamy blend. Serve immediately to preserve the optimal texture and temperature.
Notes
- Opt for al dente pasta to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness during the final mixing stage.
- Choose high-quality pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
- Whisk continuously while making the roux and cheese sauce to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a customized heat level.
- Allow the cheese sauce to rest briefly after melting to help it thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg