Easy Pepper Cheese Pasta Recipe – Quick Weeknight Meal

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Pepper Cheese Pasta Recipe – Quick Weeknight Meal

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a comforting, quick meal that hits the spot. This Pepper Cheese Pasta is exactly that. I first made this when I was a student and needed something fast and satisfying after a long day of classes – and it’s been a staple ever since! It’s unbelievably easy, takes just minutes, and tastes like a warm hug. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at around 15 minutes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a lovely little kick from the pepper. Plus, it’s super customizable – you can easily adjust the spice level or swap in different cheeses. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta:

• ?? cup Pasta of your choice
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 3 tbsp Cheese spread
• ?? tsp Pepper, crushed coarsely
• 1 tsp Olive oil or cooking oil
• As needed Salt
• As needed Milk

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make this recipe even better:

Pasta Varieties – Choosing the Right Shape

Honestly, any pasta shape works! Penne, fusilli (spirals), or even elbow macaroni are great choices because the sauce clings to them beautifully. I personally love using rotini – it just seems to hold all the cheesy goodness. About 200-250 grams of pasta is perfect for two servings.

Cheese Spread – Regional Options & Substitutions

In India, we have so many amazing cheese spread options! You can use anything from a classic processed cheese spread to a more flavorful one with herbs. If you don’t have cheese spread, you can substitute with grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella – about 1/2 cup should do the trick. Just make sure to add a splash of milk to help it melt smoothly.

Crushed Pepper – Spice Level & Types (e.g., Black Pepper, Chili Flakes)

This is where you can really customize things! I like to use coarsely crushed black pepper for a warm, aromatic spice. But feel free to experiment with chili flakes for a bit more heat, or even a mix of both. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.

Butter – Salted vs. Unsalted & Clarified Butter (Ghee)

I usually use salted butter for this recipe, as it adds a nice flavor. If you’re using unsalted butter, you might want to add a pinch of salt to the pasta. And if you’re feeling fancy, a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) adds a wonderful richness!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, get your pasta cooking. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente – meaning it still has a little bite. Drain it well and set it aside.
2. Now, heat a pan over low flame. Add the butter and let it melt completely. A little swirl of olive oil helps prevent sticking too!
3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with the cheese spread and crushed pepper.
4. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and coats the pasta evenly. This is where the magic happens!
5. If you want a saucier texture (and I usually do!), add milk gradually, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing on low heat. Keep stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this pasta even better:

Achieving the Perfect Cheese Sauce Consistency

Adding the milk gradually is key! You want a smooth, creamy sauce, not a watery one. Start with a little milk and add more until you get the perfect consistency.

Preventing Pasta from Sticking

Make sure to drain the pasta well after cooking. A little olive oil in the pan also helps prevent sticking.

Adjusting Pepper Levels

Taste as you go! Add a little pepper at a time and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Pepper Cheese Pasta

Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a vegan cheese spread. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Pepper Cheese Pasta

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta! There are tons of great options available now.

Spice Level Adjustments – Mild, Medium, Hot

• Mild: Use just a pinch of black pepper.
• Medium: Use 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black pepper.
• Hot: Add 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes along with the black pepper.

Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptations

Add some pre-cooked veggies like peas or corn for a more complete meal. Leftover chicken or shrimp also works beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side salad and some garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh coriander (cilantro) adds a lovely freshness too.

Storage Instructions

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any shape you like! Penne, fusilli, and rotini are all great choices.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before adding the cheese and pepper.

What can I substitute for cheese spread?

Grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese works well. Add a splash of milk to help it melt.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Start with a small amount of pepper and add more to taste.

Is it possible to make this dish without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It won’t have the same richness, but it will still be delicious!