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Jalapeño Popper Pasta Bake

This Jalapeño Popper Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy comfort food perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells work great)
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2-3 fresh jalapeños finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (or substitute with regular bacon slices)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—penne or rigatoni work beautifully here—and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander and set it aside.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from the pan and crumble into small pieces. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. Then, fold in the sautéed jalapeños, garlic, and crumbled bacon.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the panko breadcrumbs and toss to coat evenly. Spread the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the pasta bake.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Notes

  • Removing the seeds from jalapeños significantly reduces heat but keeps flavor intact.
  • Using turkey bacon keeps the dish lighter but still adds that smoky, savory element.
  • Freshly grated cheeses melt more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, improving texture.
  • If you want extra spice, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
  • For a creamier bake, don’t overcook the pasta—al dente works best to prevent mushiness after baking.