Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Spicy Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with fresh jalapeño and Pepper Jack cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Spicy Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked macaroni or cavatappi
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 to 1/2 finely diced red onion
- 1/4 to 1/2 finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 finely diced jalapeño
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 generous cup grated Pepper Jack cheese
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Spicy Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Combine the Filling: Stir in the canned green chilies and the frozen corn. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Make the Sauce and Serve: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Pepper Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently over low heat until the cheese is melted and a creamy sauce forms.
- Finish with Butter: At the very end, stir in the 2 tablespoons of butter until it has melted into the sauce. Check the seasonings one last time and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to control the spice level? The heat in this dish comes from the fresh jalapeño and the Pepper Jack cheese. For a milder version, be sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño before dicing it. For an extra kick, use a hot pepper jack or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- How to get the creamiest sauce? For the smoothest, meltiest cheese sauce, it is always best to shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in starches that can make the sauce gritty. Also, melting the cheese on a low heat prevents it from becoming oily.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This dish is at its absolute best when served fresh and hot from the skillet. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge, but you will need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Can I add a different protein? Yes! This is a fantastic base for additions. Stir in some cooked, crumbled chorizo or seasoned ground beef for a heartier meal.
What To Serve With Spicy Mac and Cheese
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal that is incredibly satisfying on its own. For a complete dinner, it pairs perfectly with:
- A simple green salad with a tart lime vinaigrette
- Warm cornbread or crusty garlic bread
- A side of cool sour cream or sliced avocado to balance the heat
How To Store Spicy Mac and Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring frequently until it is hot and creamy again.
Spicy Mac and Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Yes. To turn this into a baked casserole, pour the finished mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese, buttered breadcrumbs, or crushed tortilla chips and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Do I have to use Pepper Jack cheese?
No, but it provides a wonderful creamy melt and a nice level of spice. If you don’t have it, you can use an equal amount of regular Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar and simply add a little more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the dish.
Is this a true one-pot meal?
Almost! You will need one pot to boil the pasta and one large skillet to create the sauce and finish the dish.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Fancy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Pioneer Woman Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
A quick and easy stovetop macaroni and cheese packed with Southwestern flavor from jalapeños, green chilies, corn, and a creamy Pepper Jack cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet, sauté the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño in olive oil for a few minutes.
- Stir in the canned chilies and the corn.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in the cream, add the cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and a creamy sauce forms.
- Stir in the final 2 tablespoons of butter until it has melted. Serve immediately.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for the creamiest, smoothest mac and cheese is to shred your own cheese from a block.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, cook your pasta just until it is al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot sauce.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis dish comes together very quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be shy with the seasonings! A rich, creamy sauce needs a good amount of salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.u003c/liu003e
