Cremige Jalapeño-Hühnchen-Pasta

Experience the ultimate fusion of classic appetizer flavors and hearty comfort food with this Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta. This dish captures the essence of a jalapeño popper—smoky bacon, spicy peppers, and rich cream cheese—and transforms it into a velvety pasta meal that is ready in just 45 minutes. It is a bold, satisfying dish that brings a touch of heat and a lot of creaminess to your dinner table.

Merken

Whether you are a fan of spicy snacks or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken and pasta, this recipe hits all the right notes. The sauce is perfectly balanced, ensuring that the jalapeño heat is complemented by the smooth texture of the cream cheese and milk.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached), 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne)
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 2–3 fresh jalapeños (seeded and diced), 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Dairy & Cheese: 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese (softened), 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Seasonings: ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt (plus more for pasta water), ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional Garnishes: 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions, sliced fresh jalapeño

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and diced jalapeños to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 4

Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour in the milk gradually, whisking to create a creamy sauce.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Add the shredded chicken and half of the cooked bacon to the sauce. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 7

Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with remaining bacon, chopped chives or green onions, and extra jalapeño slices if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfectly smooth sauce, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. Using the reserved pasta water is crucial; the starches in the water help the cheese sauce bind to the pasta, creating a professional-quality finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the mix or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute turkey bacon for the standard variety. This recipe also works well with gluten-free pasta—just follow the package timing carefully to maintain the right texture.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish each plate with a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh chives for a pop of color and texture. For an extra crunch, try topping the dish with toasted breadcrumbs just before serving. A crisp green salad on the side provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.

Merken

This Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves bold American flavors. With its rich sauce and smoky finish, it’s a comforting meal that you'll want to make again and again.

Antworten auf Rezeptfragen

→ Wie scharf wird das Gericht?

Die Schärfe lässt sich durch die Menge der Jalapeño-Samen steuern. Ohne Samen entsteht eine milde Wärme, mit Samen wird es deutlich pikanter.

→ Kann ich das Hühnchen vorbereiten?

Ja, gekochtes Hähnchen kann im Kühlschrank aufbewahrt werden. Rotisserie-Hähnchen vom Markt spart zusätzlich Zeit.

→ Welche Pasta eignet sich am besten?

Kurze Nudeln wie Penne, Elbow Macaroni oder Fusilli passen hervorragend, da sie die cremige Sauce gut halten.

→ Ist das Gericht einfrierbar?

Die Pasta kann bis zu 3 Monate eingefroren werden. Beim Auftauen etwas Milch hinzufügen, um die Sauce wieder cremig zu machen.

→ Wie kann ich es leichter machen?

Türkischer Bacon, fettarme Milch und weniger Käse reduzieren die Kalorien. Der volle Geschmack bleibt erhalten.