Description
Creamy pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese delivers bold, spicy comfort in one pot. Cheesy pasta promises a quick, satisfying meal that brings zesty warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Drain and set aside, preserving the pasta’s ideal texture.
- Roux Foundation: Return pot to medium heat, melting butter completely. Whisk in flour, creating a golden roux that develops a nutty essence and eliminates raw flour undertones. The mixture should transform into a smooth, aromatic base.
- Sauce Development: Gradually pour milk and cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, thickening into a silky sauce that elegantly coats a spoon. The consistency should be rich and velvety.
- Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat to low. Gradually fold in Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring until a luxurious, glossy cheese sauce emerges. Incorporate garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, balancing flavors with precise seasoning.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce drained pasta into the cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating. Each pasta piece should be lavishly enrobed in the creamy mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Serving Presentation: Plate immediately, offering optional garnishes like fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor dimension. Serve steaming hot to maximize taste and maintain the dish’s creamy integrity.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose elbow macaroni or short pasta with ridges to help cheese sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
- Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning, creating a smooth base that guarantees a silky, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Cheese Melting Mastery: Remove pot from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation, stirring gently until fully incorporated for a creamy, consistent texture.
- Spice Customization: Adjust pepper jack quantity for heat level, swap cheeses for dietary needs, or add extra spices like cayenne for more intense flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg