Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta recipe that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. This comforting dish combines spicy pepper jack cheese with a luscious cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, all garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in the grated pepper jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top as a fresh garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne or fusilli, for best results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a milder dish, swap pepper jack cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
