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- 12 ounces pasta (like penne or rotini) - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat) - 1 small yellow onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for garnish) I use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Weigh the pasta to ensure you use 12 ounces. For liquids, measuring cups work well. Use a standard cup for the chicken broth and cheese. Diced veggies can be measured in a cup, too. Feel free to adjust based on your taste. You can add more heat with extra jalapeños. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. If you want a crunch, add crispy bacon bits. For a fresh taste, toss in some cherry tomatoes. Each option lets you make this dish your own! First, grab a large pot or deep skillet. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeños. Heat the pot over medium heat. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and smell good. This step builds flavor. Now, it's time to add the pasta. Stir in the uncooked pasta along with the chicken broth. Add smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be tender and most liquid should be gone. Once the pasta is cooked, it's cheese time! Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot! Top with chopped green onions and crispy fried onions for a nice crunch. Enjoy your delicious dish! To make your pasta super creamy, you need the right cheeses. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Mix in sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt well and give great flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This extra liquid helps it become smooth and rich. Stir the cheese in while the pasta is hot. This helps it melt quickly and evenly. Want to change the heat? You can easily adjust spice levels with jalapeños. For less heat, remove the seeds before chopping. If you want more heat, add extra diced jalapeños or keep some seeds in. Another option is to add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This gives it a nice kick. Always taste before serving to find the right balance of spice for you. Cooking time can vary based on your stove and pot. After adding pasta to the broth, check it around 10 minutes. Stir often to make sure it cooks evenly. If the pasta is still too firm, let it cook a few more minutes. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy. The pasta should be al dente, meaning it has a slight bite. This keeps it perfect in the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just skip the chicken broth. Use vegetable broth instead. This keeps all the flavor while making it meat-free. You can add more veggies too. Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. They add color and nutrients. If you want to add meat, chicken or bacon works great. For chicken, cook diced pieces in the pot before adding the other ingredients. This adds a nice flavor. For bacon, cook it crisp first, then mix it in at the end. It gives a smoky taste that pairs well with cheese. Looking for gluten-free options? Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. Cook it just like regular pasta, but check the package for timing. This ensures it stays tender. You won't lose any flavor, and everyone can enjoy the dish together! Store your One Pot Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in the fridge. This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know when you made it. To reheat, use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place a single serving in a bowl. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stovetop, put the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture. Stir until heated through. This keeps the pasta creamy and tasty. You can freeze this pasta for later. Use a freezer-safe container to store it. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as food expands when frozen. It lasts about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make this pasta ahead. Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth to help with creaminess. If you want a swap, use sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both will add creaminess. You can also try ricotta cheese for a lighter texture. Just keep in mind that flavor may change slightly. To add more heat, use extra jalapeños. You can keep the seeds for more spice. Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Both will kick up the heat level. Adjust to your taste for the perfect spicy bite! In this post, we explored key ingredients for a tasty pasta dish, including optional tweaks for your taste. I shared easy steps to sauté veggies, cook pasta, and add cheese for a creamy finish. You now have tips to adjust spice levels and cooking times, plus ways to make it vegetarian or gluten-free. Lastly, I provided storage advice for leftovers and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that suits your needs. Enjoy the cooking process and have fun experimenting!

One Pot Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta

Indulge in a flavorful twist with this One Pot Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta! This creamy, cheesy dish combines penne pasta, fresh jalapeños, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to make and cleanup is a breeze! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious comfort food.
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

1/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.

    Stir in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

      Once the pasta is cooked, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese to the pot. Stir well until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to achieve desired consistency.

        Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

          Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and crispy fried onions on top for added crunch.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4-6