Name: Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: 1 16 oz box cavatappi pasta; 6 Tbsp butter; 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup 2% milk; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese; 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled; 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped; 2 cups crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or panko bread crumbs

Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

CategoriesPasta, Side

SourceRichardson

Ingredients

1 16 oz box cavatappi pasta
6 Tbsp butter
6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup 2% milk
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cups crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or panko bread crumbs

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Preheat broiler.

In a 10-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Sauté jalapeños in butter. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes (do not burn). Gradually whisk in cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add pasta and bacon; cook and stir until heated through. Sprinkle chips over top.

Broil 3 — 4 inches from heat until chips are browned, about 30 seconds.

Last Modified 04:59:10 20 April 2026 UTC