My brother begs for these spicy creamy noodle bundles at every summer cookout. Just 4 ingredients wrapped up tight and tossed in the pot for the easiest fiery side dish.

These slow cooker 4-ingredient jalapeno popper pasta packets are one of those goofy-sounding ideas that turn into a family staple. I started making them for summer cookouts when I wanted the flavor of jalapeno poppers without standing over a hot grill or fryer. Everything gets wrapped into little foil bundles—just four simple ingredients—then tucked into the slow cooker until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melty and creamy. My brother really does beg for them at every cookout now, and I love that I can prep them ahead and let the slow cooker do all the work while we’re outside.

Serve these spicy, creamy noodle bundles straight from the slow cooker, still in their foil packets so everyone can unwrap their own. They’re great alongside grilled burgers, brats, or barbecue chicken, plus simple sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a green salad. Put out extra sliced jalapenos for the heat-lovers and a bowl of cool ranch or sour cream for dipping if anyone wants to mellow the spice. A big pitcher of iced tea or lemonade balances the richness nicely.

Servings: 6

8 oz uncooked short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or shells)

Tear 6 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12x12 inches. If using regular foil, double-layer each piece so the packets don’t leak. Lightly mist the center of each foil square with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil to help prevent sticking.

Divide the uncooked pasta evenly among the foil pieces, piling it in the center of each. For even cooking, try to keep the pasta in a small mound rather than spread out to the edges.

Sprinkle the cream cheese cubes evenly over the pasta in each packet. Follow with the shredded cheese, dividing it evenly so each bundle gets plenty of cheese for that creamy jalapeno popper feel.

Scatter the pickled jalapeno slices over the top of each mound of pasta and cheese, using more or less depending on how spicy your family likes things. If you’d like a pretty finish, set aside a few slices to place on top of the packets after cooking.

Fold each foil piece up into a tight packet: bring two opposite sides together and fold them over several times to seal, then roll up the remaining open sides so the cheese can’t leak out. You want them snug but not so tight that there’s no room for steam inside.

Place the foil packets in a single layer in the bottom of a large slow cooker, seam side up. If your slow cooker is smaller, you can gently stack a second layer on top, staggering them so they’re not directly on top of each other.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese and cream cheese have melted into a creamy sauce inside the packets. Try not to open the lid during cooking, as you’ll lose heat and steam.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully use tongs to lift one packet and open it slightly away from your face to test doneness—the pasta should be soft and coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce. If it’s still a bit firm, reseal and cook another 20–30 minutes.

When done, open each packet carefully (steam will escape) and, if desired, top the melty pasta with an extra slice or two of jalapeno for color and extra kick. You can serve the packets right in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting, letting everyone grab their own and eat straight from the foil or scoop into bowls.

For milder eaters or kids, reduce the pickled jalapenos to 1/4 cup and use mild cheddar for the shredded cheese. You can also rinse the jalapeno slices under cool water and pat them dry to wash away some of the heat. For extra spice, use pepper jack cheese, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to each packet, or mix in a few fresh jalapeno slices (remove most of the seeds if you don’t want it too fiery). If you’d like a little more moisture or a looser sauce, you can splash 1–2 tablespoons of milk or half-and-half into each packet before sealing, but keep in mind this technically adds an extra ingredient. To make it heartier, you can stir cooked, crumbled bacon or diced cooked chicken into the packets before sealing—again, that will go beyond the four-ingredient base but is great for turning this side dish into a full meal. For easier cleanup and to prevent leaks, always double-layer regular foil and make sure seams are well sealed. Use heavy-duty oven mitts or tongs when handling hot packets, and open them away from your face and hands to avoid steam burns. Since everything in this recipe is either shelf-stable (dried pasta) or pasteurized (cream cheese, shredded cheese, jarred jalapenos), there are minimal food safety concerns, but don’t leave the cooked packets sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours—keep them on the slow cooker’s warm setting if serving over time, and promptly refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat leftovers thoroughly until steaming hot before eating.