Spicy Habanero Penne Bake
Indulge in a fiery twist on a classic favorite with our Spicy Habanero Penne Bake. This delightful dish combines al dente penne pasta smothered in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce infused with the bold flavor of habanero peppers. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this baked creation delivers a perfect balance of heat and comfort. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it's a guaranteed hit for those who love a little kick in their comfort food. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s ready in under an hour!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
habanero pepper
1 (cleaned and finely minced)
butter
1/4 cup (for sauce)
flour
1/3 cup (all-purpose)
milk
2 3/4 cups (whole or 2%)
shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups (for creamy texture)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
dried oregano
3 tablespoons (for flavor)
breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (for topping)
butter
2 tablespoons (for dotting on breadcrumbs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Set aside.
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3
Finely mince the cleaned habanero pepper, being careful to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
4
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced habanero and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
5
Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms, then gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
6
Add the oregano and black pepper, and cook while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
7
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded colby-monterey jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
8
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked penne pasta and mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
9
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10
Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to add extra crispness.
11
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
12
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the spicy comfort!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Habanero Penne Bake?
It is a fiery twist on a classic favorite combining penne pasta with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce infused with habanero peppers and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the total preparation time for this dish?
The dish is categorized as being ready in under 60 minutes.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked penne pasta.
Is the Spicy Habanero Penne Bake very hot?
Yes, it is designed for those who love heat, as it contains a finely minced habanero pepper and is described as fiery.
What cheese is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese for a creamy texture.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How many habanero peppers are used?
One habanero pepper, cleaned and finely minced, is used in this recipe.
What ingredients are used for the topping?
The topping consists of 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs dotted with 2 tablespoons of butter for extra crispness.
What kind of milk is best for the cheese sauce?
The recipe recommends using 2 3/4 cups of either whole or 2% milk.
How should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Cook the penne according to the package directions until it is al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
How long should I saute the habanero pepper?
Saute the minced habanero in melted butter for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
What precaution should I take when handling habaneros?
Be very careful and wash your hands thoroughly after mincing the habanero pepper.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter for the sauce and an additional 2 tablespoons for dotting the breadcrumbs.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How much flour is used to thicken the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour.
What spices are added to the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 3 tablespoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What is the baking time for the penne bake?
Bake for 20 minutes covered with foil, then another 10 minutes uncovered for a total of 30 minutes of baking time.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep moisture in, then uncover for the final 10 minutes.
What are some good side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a perfect balance of heat and comfort, ideal for family dinners.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 ingredients listed in this recipe.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste, then gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
When do I add the cheese to the sauce?
Lower the heat and stir in the cheese after the milk and flour mixture has thickened and started to bubble.
What should the finished topping look like?
The top should be golden and bubbly once the baking is complete.
Can I use this recipe for a large gathering?
Yes, with 8 servings and a 9x13 inch yield, it is ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Is the penne pasta cooked completely before baking?
It should be cooked until al dente, meaning it is still slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
What is the purpose of rinsing the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process so the pasta maintains its al dente texture.
How much dried oregano is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of dried oregano for flavor.
Is the breadcrumb topping crunchy?
Yes, the breadcrumbs are dotted with butter and baked uncovered for the final 10 minutes to achieve a crispy texture.