Jalapeno Popper Mac & Cheese

Total Recipe cost: $6.98
Servings Per Recipe: 6 (1 cup each)
Cost per serving: $1.16
Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 20 min. Total: 25 min.

INGREDIENTS		COST
12 oz.	uncooked elbow macaroni*	$1.80
1 Tbsp	vegetable oil	$0.02
1 clove	garlic, minced	$0.08
1 cup	milk	$0.25
4 oz.	cream cheese	$0.93
1/4 cup	grated parmesan	$0.42
1/2 cup	sour cream	$0.43
1 (4 oz.) can	sliced jalapenos	$0.89
1 (4 oz.) can	diced green chiles (mild)	$0.89
1/4 tsp	salt	$0.02
1 cup	shredded pepper jack cheese	$1.25
TOTAL		$6.98

*I used Dreamfield pasta as a feeble attempt to make this not so unhealthy. *eye roll*

STEP 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and then add the pasta. Let it continue to boil until it is soft (about 10 minutes).

STEP 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium sauce pot, cook the garlic in vegetable oil for about 1-2 minutes or just until soft and fragrant. Add the milk, cream cheese, and grated parmesan. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat until the cream cheese is warm and softened. Use a whisk to stir the ingredients together until smooth.

STEP 3: Turn the heat down to low and then whisk in the sour cream. Drain the jalapenos and green chiles and then stir into the sauce. Taste the sauce and add 1/4 tsp of salt if needed.

STEP 4: When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it in a colander. Return the drained pasta to the pot (heat turned off), pour the sauce over top, and stir until well mixed. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack over top and then stir in. The heat from the sauce and noodles should be enough to melt the cheese. Serve hot!