Save This Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent American main dish that captures the essence of a classic jalapeño popper. Ready in just 40 minutes, it blends the smokiness of crispy bacon with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce and just the right amount of heat from fresh jalapeños.
Save The texture is reminiscent of a gourmet comfort food, featuring a velvety blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella that coats every piece of al dente pasta. It is a hearty meal that provides 38 grams of protein per serving, making it as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached); 6 slices bacon, diced
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (plus extra slices for garnish); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Dairy: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk; 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pantry: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- Topping (optional): 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs, toasted; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté onion and jalapeños for 3 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Create the Base Sauce
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and milk, stirring until the cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Step 5: Melt the Cheese
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Combine Ingredients
- Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and half of the cooked bacon to the sauce. Gently fold until everything is thoroughly coated and heated through.
- Step 7: Season to Taste
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Serve immediately, topped with remaining bacon, toasted panko breadcrumbs, extra jalapeño slices, and fresh herbs if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth cooking process, have your chef's knife, cutting board, large pot, and large skillet ready. Using a wooden spoon or spatula will help you incorporate the cream cheese and milk without scratching your pan. For the fastest preparation, substitute home-poached chicken with a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize the heat level by leaving some jalapeño seeds in the sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a different flavor profile, swap the shredded cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Always check ingredient labels for milk, wheat, and pork to manage potential allergens.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this decadent pasta immediately while the cheese is perfectly melted. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For a beverage pairing, enjoy this dish with a chilled glass of Riesling or a refreshing lager beer.
Save With its bold spices and velvety sauce, this Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the heat and comfort of a classic appetizer to your dinner table.
Recipe Guide
- → How spicy is this pasta?
The heat level is mild to medium, with two fresh jalapeños providing a gentle warmth. For more spice, leave some seeds intact or add cayenne pepper.
- → Can I make this ahead?
The sauce thickens when refrigerated. Reheat gently with additional milk to restore creaminess before serving.
- → What pasta works best?
Short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne captures the creamy sauce well. Cavatappi or shells also work beautifully.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred about 2 cups and add when combining everything.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
Omit bacon and use olive oil. Add mushrooms or extra cheese for depth. Vegetarian chicken substitutes also work.