The Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, savory sausage, and a luscious cheese sauce spiced just right with Pepper Jack. This recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, making it a favorite for anyone craving a rich, creamy pasta packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Once you try this dish, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation for those nights when you want something cozy but exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a key role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the spicy Pepper Jack cheese to the juicy chicken and sausage, every component contributes to making this dish absolutely irresistible.
- Turkey sausage, 1 lb sliced: Choose your favorite sausage variety; it adds smoky, savory bursts of flavor throughout the pasta.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 lb diced: Tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce while adding meaty substance.
- Rotini or penne pasta, 12 oz: These shapes hold the sauce wonderfully, giving every bite a creamy coating.
- Chicken broth, 2 cups: Adds a rich, flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: The secret to that irresistibly smooth and luscious sauce texture.
- Shredded Pepper Jack cheese, 1½ cups: Brings creamy texture and just the right amount of spicy kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: For a salty, nutty depth that complements Pepper Jack perfectly.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Used to brown the meats, locking in flavor and moisture.
- Onion, 1 small diced: Adds natural sweetness and texture contrast.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic warmth.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a burst of color and fresh flavor when garnishing.
How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 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 step not only adds great color but deepens flavor through caramelization. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside so you can keep that focused flavor for later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in diced chicken together with the diced onion and minced garlic. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to bring harmony to the dish. Let the mixture cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and no longer pink. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to let those ingredients mingle properly.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Add your choice of rotini or penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions so it’s perfectly al dente — that slight firmness is key to prevent a mushy result once tossed in the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside for the final assembly.
Step 4: Combine Sausage and Liquids
Return the browned sausage back to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all those tasty bits left in the pan. Let everything come to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, which will begin to marry the flavors and start thickening the sauce.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Lower the heat and add the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and your sauce becomes irresistibly smooth and creamy. This cheesy blend is where the magic happens, giving the dish its signature flavor and texture.
Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Finally, add the drained pasta to your skillet, gently tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious, cheesy sauce. This ensures every bite is full of rich, creamy goodness paired perfectly with savory sausage and tender chicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve this masterpiece piping hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. This final touch makes the dish feel as special as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan for added cheesiness or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance richness. For those who love extra heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes creates a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a perfect colorful, nutritious side that complements the rich flavors of the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual oven-safe bowls and broil a light layer of extra cheese on top for a golden crust. Alternatively, plate it with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for some crunch or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce creamy and fresh by reheating gently rather than high heat, which helps preserve that perfect texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the creamy pasta, but for best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore the sauce’s luscious consistency if it thickens too much after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Pepper Jack gives this dish its signature spice and creaminess, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar if you prefer a less spicy flavor. Adding a bit of extra Parmesan also helps deepen the cheesy profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and sausage and use plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian take. The creamy sauce will still shine, delivering plenty of flavor and richness.
How spicy is the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Pepper Jack cheese. It delivers a pleasant, subtle heat without being overwhelming, making it approachable for most taste buds. You can adjust the spice by using more or less Pepper Jack or adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and add freshly cooked pasta to maintain freshness and texture. This makes dinner prep much quicker.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
This dish works best with short, sturdy pastas like rotini or penne because their twists and tubes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s equally comforting and exciting, the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Its rich, cheesy sauce combined with bold proteins and perfect pasta shapes makes every bite a celebration. Give it a try soon—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together in such a flavorful way that feels like a special treat any night of the week.
Print
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
This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey sausage, and a luscious cheese sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe blends Italian seasoning and garlic for a savory kick, served over perfectly cooked rotini or penne pasta.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced (or use any sausage you prefer)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta & Broth
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove 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 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Prepare the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Create the Sauce Base: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add Cheese and Finish Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with any cooked sausage of your choice, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for varied flavor.
- For a spicier dish, choose a spicy variety of Pepper Jack cheese or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan will provide better melting and flavor than pre-grated versions.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking the pasta and sauce separately, then combining and reheating gently before serving.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
