Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy Baked Pasta

Ingredients

• 7 ounces elbow macaroni
• 0.25 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 4 slices canned jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• salt to taste
• 3 dashes hot sauce, or to taste
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather all ingredients for the spicy mac and cheese.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cream cheese, jalapeño peppers, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine the cooked macaroni and Cheddar cheese with the spicy cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving your delicious spicy mac and cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 634 kcal
• Fat Content: 40 g
• Fiber Content: 2 g
• Sugar Content: 6 g
• Sodium Content: 719 mg
• Protein Content: 22 g
• Cholesterol Content: 118 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 46 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g