This spicy garlic and cheesy dish was a yummy lunch that I made for the kids on Winter Break. They love the savory cheese, salty yet garlicy, and finding all the fun Alphabet pasta pieces in the bowl. Plus, it’s fast and easy and has this Asian feel to it. Even better, it uses all items you probably have on hand.
Jump to RecipeHow to make Spicy Garlic and Cheese Alphabet Pasta
I think the hardest part of this recipe is not boiling the pasta. Instead, we will sauté in butter and oil, then cook by adding broth little by little. It’s fast and easy but will need a close eye.
Check out my (@thefarmerfranny) for the video:
- First, make sure you have all the ingredients ready on your table. 
- Then, start with a medium sauce pan on medium heat. Add the butter and oil, let it melt together a bit. (Don’t brown the butter)
- Second, add the spices cayenne, paprika, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir to combine. Add the pasta and stir.
- When the pasta and spices look deepened in color, start to add broth one cup at a time. Lower the heat to low or medium low. You still want the liquid to bubble but not burn.
- Then, keep stirring and adding more broth until the pasta is cooked—this is the tricky part, so, keep taste testing to see if it needs more broth or not.
- When the pasta is done, add the cheese and any pepper you may need. Also, salt is not really needed—between the broth and the soy sauce, it should be salty enough.
- Finally, add some crunchy green onions to top with and enjoy!!
Not too bad huh? Careful, the trickiest part is getting the pasta cooked just right.
Ingredients
You can use any pasta, the technique and recipe stays the same. I found this pasta at Walmart, and I have seen it typically in the Mexican aisle of most grocery stores. It’s super cheap and you can even get them by the bulk with amazon.
Items you can trade out:
- Pastas- look for a smaller noodle. Plus, if you go for a shell, that’s great but will take a bit longer so make sure you taste test before you say the pastas done
- Soy sauce is optional. It’s salty enough you don’t have to, yet a great addition to that Asian feel.
- For the broth, I use the powdered kind and add it to water. This will decrease the need for salt.
- The cheese- if you have cheddar or any cheese that would melt well. I’d stick to an orange/yellow cheese; they mix well with the spices used.
20 minutes and done!
It’s a pasta great for a quick lunch, snack, or dinner. The kids rave for it and always go back for more! Quiet frankly, I’ll take this dish any time of day.
Tell me how you like it!
Have you checked out this Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach? 🤤 it’s to die for. It’s keto and full of nutrition!
Farmer Fran
Spicy Garlic and Cheese Alphabet Pasta
4
servings5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
4 tbsp salted butter
2 tbsp of veg oil
1/2 tsp of cayenne
1 tbsp of paprika
1 tbsp (optional) soy sauce
2 cloves diced garlic
1 7 oz. Alphabet pasta (La Moderna is the brand I used)
1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 cup shredded Colby jack
1/2 cup Julienned green onions (white and green part)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, turn the heat to medium high. Melt the butter and oil gently together. Add cayenne, paprika, and soy sauce. Stir continuously and sauté the spices, oil, and pasta until dark red.
- Start to add the broth a little at a time. This cooks the pasta. Stir often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheese.
- Plate with crunchy julienned green onions.