Quick and easy jalapeno popper mac and cheese recipe- A 30 minute weeknight meal loaded with cream cheese, cheddar cheese and requires one pot.
This jalapeno popper mac and cheese is rich, creamy, cheesy and the ultimate comfort food. It's a simple meal for school nights that kids and adults would both LOVE!
How to make jalapeno popper mac and cheese?
- Saute onions, ginger, garlic, jalapenos in some butter and oil.
- Add heavy cream, broth, uncooked pasta, salt, pepper.
- Bring to a boil and lower heat and let it cook until pasta is cooked.
- Mix in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Garnish with more jalapenos.
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Flavor variations for one pot jalapeno popper macaroni and cheese:
- Spicy Jalapeno Pasta- Make it even spicier by adding more jalapenos and leaving the seeds and also adding some red chili flakes.
- Smoked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese- Add a little liquid smoke for bit of smoky flavor or you can use a smoker too (I haven't tried the smoker yet).
- Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Bites- Scoop portions of cooked pasta into the cavities of a muffin pan. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese and bake until cheese has fully melted.
- Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese- Place the cooked pasta in a casserole dish and top it off with breadcrumbs, Mexican seasoning (optional), parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese and broil in the oven until top is crispy and cheese has fully melted.
- Bacon Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese- Mix in or top off prepared pasta with ½ cup cooked bacon bits.
Tips for creamy jalapeno mac and cheese:
- Butter can be replaced with oil but I highly recommend it because it adds flavor to the recipe.
- Deseed the jalapenos if you don't want the pasta to be too spicy.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more broth.
- Add more or less cheddar cheese, based on your preference.
- Use full fat cheeses for maximum creamy flavor and texture.
- Use fresh jalapenos rather than pickled/bottled jalapenos for best classic flavor.
- Use low sodium broth to prevent the jalapeno popper pasta from becoming too salty.
- You can make jalapeno mac and cheese with Velveeta by adding ¼ cup of that to make it even more creamy. I, personally, don't like the smell of Velveeta and don't like using it.
Other Easy Mexican Dinner Recipes:
- Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
- Jalapeno Pineapple Rice
- Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Jalapeno Avocado Pasta
- Jalapeno Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Jalapeno Beef
- Jalapeno Chicken
- Honey Glazed Carrots with Jalapenos
Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
Quick and easy jalapeno popper mac and cheese recipe- A 30 minute weeknight meal loaded with cream cheese, cheddar cheese and requires one pot.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 2 tablespoon Butter Unsalted
- ¼ cup Onions Finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger
- 1.5 tablespoon Garlic
- 3-4 Jalapenos Roughly chopped, Can be deseeded to reduce spice
- 2 cups Vegetable broth Or chicken broth, Low sodium
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Ditalini pasta Or mini shells Or elbow macaroni
- Salt To taste
- Pepper To taste
- 6 oz Cream cheese Full fat
- 1 ⅓ cups Cheddar cheese Full fat
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick pot over medium high heat and saute onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger, garlic, jalapenos and saute until fragrant (About 1-2 minutes).
- Add broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper and mix.
- Bring to a boil. Then lower the heat to medium and let everything cook until liquid is reduced and pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Add cream cheese, cheddar cheese and mix until cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish with finely chopped jalapenos and enjoy!
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Tastes best when served fresh but leftovers can be stored in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 944kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 24gFat: 63gSaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2365IUVitamin C: 14.5mgCalcium: 375mgIron: 1.6mg
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
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Until next time, tata my lovelies!
Beth K.
What fun twist on mac and cheese.
Jamielyn
This looks so creamy and delicious!
Jessica Burgess
I absolutely love mac and cheese, and am a huge fan of anything jalapeno! I can't wait to try this!
Carolyn
Looks so creamy!
Andie Thueson
This looks amazing!! Two of my most favorite things combined! I'll have to give this a try! Thanks!