Pepper Jack Pasta with Tomatoes
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this irresistible Pepper Jack Pasta with Tomatoes! This dish combines tender penne pasta with a creamy, cheese-forward sauce featuring zesty Pepper Jack cheese and a touch of Parmesan for richness. Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while a hint of red pepper flakes provides just the right amount of kick. The velvety sauce, made with a splash of half-and-half, clings perfectly to the pasta for a luxurious, indulgent bite. This recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant finish, and watch this cheesy, slightly spicy pasta become your new favorite comfort food. Keywords: Pepper Jack pasta, creamy pasta recipe, spicy pasta, quick dinner ideas, pasta with tomatoes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half-and-half. Gradually add the shredded Pepper Jack cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined. If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh basil for garnish, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2974 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 150.1 g | 192% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.9 g | 384% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 362 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 5082 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.0 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.9 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.3 g | ||
| Protein | 133.6 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2800 mg | 215% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1941 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
