For a spicier dish, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. If you don't have Neufchâtel cheese, cream cheese can be substituted. Feel free to experiment with other types of pasta or cheeses. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and chicken.
Jalapeño Popper Pasta
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME1 hrs
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING6 People
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VIEWS7
Experience the thrill of spice and comfort with this Jalapeño Popper Pasta. Creamy, cheesy, and with a kick of jalapeño heat, it's a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, transformed into a satisfying meal.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate38 g
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Cholesterol123 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein37 g
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Saturated Fat17 g
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Sodium1302 mg
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Sugar5 g
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Fat34 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
02
StepThinly slice one jalapeño lengthwise into slivers. Finely chop the remaining jalapeño. Set aside.
03
StepPlace bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. Crumble and set aside half of the bacon for topping.
04
StepHeat reserved bacon fat in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and chopped jalapeño in hot grease until onion is soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until well combined and smooth. Stir in Neufchâtel cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat and stir in 1/2 cup pepper Jack cheese and 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. Add cooked pasta, chicken (if using), and half of the crumbled bacon, stirring to combine.
05
StepPour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with jalapeño slivers. Cover with the remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
06
StepBake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and sprinkle remaining crumbled bacon on top. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Nayeli Effertz
Jul 2, 2025This is a great recipe!
Antwon Cremin
Jul 2, 2025The flavors are amazing. The pasta was great!
Mariam Willms
Jul 1, 2025This is my new go-to pasta recipe! I love how customizable it is. I added some roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Magnolia Miller
Jul 1, 2025This recipe is fantastic! The perfect balance of spicy and cheesy. I added a little extra garlic powder, and it was a hit!
Delpha Mosciski
Jul 1, 2025So easy to make and absolutely delicious! I didn't have Neufchâtel cheese, so I substituted with cream cheese, and it worked perfectly.
Nora Carterkovacek
Jul 1, 2025I was a bit skeptical, but this pasta is surprisingly good! The jalapeños add just the right amount of heat. I will definitely be making this again.
Malachi Nikolaus
Jul 1, 2025I have never had a Jalapeno pasta, but this one is so good!
Timothy Erdman
Jun 30, 2025I made this for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved it. I used a mix of green and red jalapeños for a pop of color.