Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese

We had the great good fortune of hanging out with some good friends at their gorgeous East Texas lakehouse one recent weekend. You know me...I had bugged our guests about what I could bring food-wise. They graciously said that all was taken care of. (And it was! Yummy brisket. Fantastic potato salad. BBQ chicken sliders. My mouth waters at the memory.)

That said...I was lucky enough across this recipe as I perused one of my "food" magazines before we hit the lake. A quick trip to the grocery store and some easy preparation led to this wonderful addition to the buffet.

(And, a word to the wise...I got inspired when I fixed some leftovers a couple days later. Jalapeno poppers are fired, right? So, where's the "breading" in this recipe? Problem solved. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the casserole before heating. Just watch them carefully so they don't get overbrowned.)

Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese
Serves 4-6.
From Everyday with Rachael Ray.

Salt and pepper
1 pound cavatappi (I used rotini and it was still wonderful.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced
2 serrano chiles, seeded and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups milk
8 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons garlic pepper
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (or substitute "Mexican Cheese blend" if that's all you can find)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pan.

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the jalapeños and serranos and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add to the pasta.

Preheat the oven to 400°.

In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream cheese and garlic pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour into pasta.

Stir in the Jack cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Transfer into a baking dish and bake until heated through and slightly brown on top, about 10 minutes. (Don't forget to add a sprinkling of breadcrumbs if you're so inclined. You can also turn the broiler on for 3-5 minutes to get an extra crispy layer on top.)