If you are craving something that delivers the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and hearty comfort, this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Imagine tender chunks of chicken and savory sausage enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce made with zesty Pepper Jack and smooth Parmesan cheeses, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a harmony of bold flavors and creamy textures that makes for the ultimate weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients that each add something special, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that irresistible creaminess. From the spicy kick of Pepper Jack to the hearty sausage and tender chicken, everything comes together effortlessly for a dish that looks and tastes fantastic.
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: Choose your favorite sausage to add meaty, savory depth and a touch of spice.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly for every delicious bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: A flavorful base for the sauce that keeps it light yet rich.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that makes this pasta irresistibly smooth.
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: The star that brings spice and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty dimension to the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and infusing every ingredient with richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and texture to balance the spices.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic powerhouse that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie the flavors together harmoniously.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for highlighting each flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens every plate.
How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned on both sides. This browning creates a flavorful crust that gives the sausage wonderful texture and taste. Once golden and fragrant, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Trust me, that sizzling smell means you’re off to a great start!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the diced chicken along with the onions and minced garlic. Season everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for a boost of savory notes. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. The onions will soften and add sweetness, while the garlic infuses the pan with its aromatic charm.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While your protein cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This texture is key for holding up to the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine Sausage, Chicken, and Liquids
Return the browned sausage back into the skillet with the cooked chicken mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir everything together. Bring this combination to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to start thickening. This step is where the dish starts turning truly creamy and comforting.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses to Create the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and lusciously thick. The Pepper Jack adds just the right amount of kick, while the Parmesan deepens the flavor, making this sauce truly crave-worthy.
Step 6: Mix in the Pasta
Now, add your drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss and stir everything together so that each piece of pasta is generously coated in that dreamy cheese sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor from the sausage, chicken, and creamy cheese blend.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe hot, right from the skillet or plated beautifully. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and refreshing herby flavor that complements the richness perfectly. This simple garnish takes the dish from homey to restaurant-worthy in seconds.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnishing, giving the dish a vibrant, fresh finish. If you want to switch things up, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to add a silky sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread also make fantastic sides that allow you to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and add a little extra shredded Pepper Jack cheese on top while it’s hot so it melts beautifully just before serving. Another great idea is to plate the pasta alongside colorful roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion the pasta into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to two months. When thawed, the sauce may separate slightly, but gentle reheating and stirring will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly heat the dish without drying it out. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Pepper Jack cheese is what gives this recipe its signature spice and creaminess, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar if you prefer less heat. Just keep in mind the flavor and meltability might change slightly.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?
Rotini and penne are ideal because they have ridges and shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, fusilli or rigatoni will work just as well. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair because they won’t stand up to the hearty sauce as effectively.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken and sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep things fully plant-based.
How spicy is the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe?
It has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the Pepper Jack cheese, which has a nice peppery heat but isn’t overwhelming. If you want more spice, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage varieties!
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, it freezes well, though the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Be sure to reheat gently and add a bit of liquid if needed to bring back the creaminess after freezing.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something special about the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe that makes it a staple worth keeping in your dinner rotation. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and offers that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfy hungry appetites. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own!
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Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey sausage, and a spicy kick from Pepper Jack cheese, all tossed in a luscious cheese sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced (or use any sausage you prefer)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta and Dairy
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the chicken and aromatics. In the same skillet, add diced chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Cook the pasta. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine sausage and simmer in liquids. Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Melt the cheeses into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce and mixed well with the meats and aromatics.
- Serve and garnish. Serve the creamy Pepper Jack chicken and sausage pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian or smoked sausage, for different flavor profiles.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but you can substitute with chopped basil or cilantro if preferred.
