Texas BBQ Pasta Jalapeño (Print)

Bold Texas BBQ, tender beef, creamy sauce, and spicy pickled jalapeños create a comforting pasta with a kick.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Meat

03 - 12 oz smoked beef brisket or pulled pork, chopped

→ Sauce Base

04 - 1.5 cups Texas-style BBQ sauce, smoky and moderately spicy
05 - 0.5 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Cheese

09 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Vegetables and Toppings

11 - 0.5 cup pickled jalapeño rings, drained
12 - 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the chopped brisket or pulled pork to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thoroughly heat through.
04 - Pour in the BBQ sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
07 - Gently fold in half of the drained pickled jalapeño rings into the pasta mixture.
08 - Serve immediately. Garnish with the remaining pickled jalapeño rings, chopped cilantro or parsley, and sliced green onions, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
  • Uses both homemade or store-bought BBQ meats for flexibility
  • The perfect balance of creamy, smoky, cheesy and spicy flavors
  • Transforms leftover BBQ into something completely new
02 -
  • Perfect for transforming leftover BBQ into an entirely new meal
  • Can be prepared ahead and reheated without losing quality
  • Excellent for feeding a crowd with minimal effort
  • The combination of BBQ sauce and cream creates a uniquely addictive flavor profile
03 -
  • For maximum flavor, warm your plates before serving to keep the sauce perfectly creamy from first bite to last.
  • If you're lucky enough to have a smoker, try cold-smoking the heavy cream for 20 minutes before adding it to the sauce – this adds an incredible depth that takes this dish to restaurant quality.
  • And finally, don't rush the cheese melting process; low and slow is the key to a silky sauce without graininess.

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