Jennifer Reyes
@reyesdelightjennifer
Jalapeño Popper Pasta Bake
This Jalapeño Popper Pasta Bake combines the creamy, spicy flavors of jalapeño poppers with hearty pasta and savory bacon, creating a deliciously comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Details
- Difficulty:hard
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Ingredients:15
- Views:4
Recipe Information
- Prep time20 min.
- Cook time1 min.
- Total time21 min.
- Servings6
Ingredients
- as needed
- 2
- 8 slices
- 1 cup
- 1/2 cup
- 2 tablespoons
- 1 cup
- 1 cup
- 6 ounces, softened
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- 1 cup, divided
- 1 cup, divided
- 4 cups
- 2 cups
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Jalapeño Popper Pasta Bake.
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy serving later.
Step 2
Take one jalapeño and slice it lengthwise into slivers, while the other should be cut into rounds; set these aside for later use.
Step 3
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until it reaches a crispy, golden-brown perfection, which should take about 10 minutes.
Step 4
Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into bite-sized pieces, setting it aside for a flavor-packed finish.
Step 5
Utilize the savory bacon grease left in the skillet to sauté the onion and 1/2 cup of chopped jalapeño over medium-high heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, roughly 5-6 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in the flour and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to create a rich base.
Step 7
Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 8
Add the Neufchâtel cheese, mixing until it melts into a creamy delight.
Step 9
Season this mixture with salt and pepper, then fold in 1/2 cup each of pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese until they melt into the sauce.
Step 10
Next, introduce the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the crumbled bacon to the cheesy mixture, stirring gently to combine all the flavors.
Step 11
Pour half of this delicious pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, layering it with the jalapeño slivers for a spicy kick.
Step 12
Top it off with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle the rest of the pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese on top.
Step 13
Cover the dish snugly with aluminum foil to trap in the flavors.
Step 14
Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 15
After this time, carefully remove the foil, add the jalapeño rounds and the remaining bacon on top for an extra crunch, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden.
Step 16
Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors in every bite!.