Description
Creamy pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese delivers spicy comfort in minutes. Cheesy pasta lovers will devour this quick, zesty dish that combines sharp flavors with smooth, melted goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
- 2 cups milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, adding a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
- Submerge macaroni in boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water, and set aside.
- Return the same pot to medium heat and melt butter, creating a smooth, glossy base.
- Gradually pour milk into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a creamy foundation.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese transforms into a velvety, uniform sauce.
- Sprinkle in salt and ground black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the molten cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, helping the flavors meld and the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot, capturing the rich, spicy essence of the pepper jack cheese.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese blends by mixing pepper jack with cheddar or monterey jack for a more complex flavor profile.
- Ensure the heat is low when melting cheese to prevent separation and maintain a creamy texture.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.
- Add crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños on top for extra crunch and heat, creating a more gourmet mac and cheese experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg