Description
Spicy Mexican mac and cheese brings sizzling southwestern flair to classic comfort food. Creamy pasta loaded with bold chili, pepper jack cheese, and zesty jalapeños creates an irresistible culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Extras and Toppings:
- 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) diced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Create a creamy base by gently warming milk in a large saucepan over medium heat, gradually whisking in shredded cheddar until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Enhance the sauce with tangy sour cream, introducing vibrant taco seasoning and zesty green chilies, stirring until the mixture develops a rich, uniform consistency.
- Carefully fold the cooked macaroni into the spiced cheese sauce, guaranteeing each pasta piece is lavishly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Introduce sliced jalapeños for an additional kick, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile. Allow the mac and cheese to simmer briefly, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Transfer the bubbling, aromatic dish to serving plates, optionally garnishing with extra cheese shreds or fresh jalapeño rings for a visually appealing and personalized touch.
Notes
- Swap regular milk for lactose-free or almond milk to make this dish dairy-sensitive friendly.
- Control spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeños according to personal heat tolerance.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
- Enhance protein content by adding shredded chicken or ground beef to transform this into a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg