Description
Creamy Mexican mac and cheese delivers a spicy twist on classic comfort food. Cheesy pasta combines jalapeños, chorizo, and bold spices for a mouthwatering southwestern-style meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 8 oz (226 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat (around 350°F), then whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for approximately 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and incorporate cream cheese until completely melted and integrated.
- Gradually add cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Introduce diced tomatoes, chopped jalapenos, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Pour the spiced cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, gently folding until each pasta piece is completely coated with the rich, zesty mixture.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a vibrant garnish, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or removing jalapenos for a milder version that suits sensitive palates.
- Consider roasting tomatoes and peppers beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the cheese sauce.
- Try alternative cheese combinations like queso fresco or cotija to create unique Mexican-inspired variations of this classic comfort dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg