If you’re craving a comfort meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy indulgence, this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is the one to make tonight. Imagine tender chunks of chicken and savory sausage swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce loaded with the spicy kick of Pepper Jack cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for sharing with family or friends, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in building the rich flavor and perfect texture of the dish. From the spicy Pepper Jack cheese to the creamy heavy cream, every element is essential to delivering that mouthwatering experience.
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: Provides savory, smoky flavor and a nice meaty texture.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Adds tender protein and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: Perfect shapes that hold the sauce well for every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and richness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious base for the sauce.
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: Brings creamy texture and a zesty, spicy kick.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the cheese flavor with its sharp, nutty notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a delicious aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings lovely herbaceous notes that round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color.
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. Toss in the sliced turkey sausage and cook until golden brown on both sides—this step ensures those wonderfully savory flavors get locked in. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mix. Let everything cook together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the onions become soft and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice—rotini or penne work great here—and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. Allow this to come to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, which helps the flavors meld and the sauce begin to thicken.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Lower the heat and add in the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts completely and the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy dream. The Pepper Jack cheese gives this recipe its signature spicy kick, perfectly balanced by the creamy texture.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated. This step brings all the elements together into a harmonious dish that’s ready for the table.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy every comforting, spicy bite!
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely freshness and beautiful green contrast that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. If you want to pump up the heat even more, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread. These sides add texture contrasts and a refreshing element that balance the creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy pasta in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bread bowls. Garnishing with extra cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving elevates the dish to dinner-party status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It typically stays fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but keep in mind creamy sauces sometimes separate after thawing. To minimize this, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible, or stir in a little extra cream when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or broth to bring back that silky sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute turkey sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage depending on your preference. Each type will add its unique flavor profile to the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, which cuts calories while keeping some creaminess. Just note the sauce will be less rich.
What if I don’t have Pepper Jack cheese on hand?
If Pepper Jack isn’t available, Monterey Jack with a bit of crushed red pepper flakes makes a great substitute. Alternatively, Colby Jack combined with jalapeño slices can mimic the spicy creaminess nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just make sure your chicken broth and sausage don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.
How spicy is the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The Pepper Jack cheese adds a moderate level of heat, balanced by the creamy sauce. It’s spicy enough to excite your taste buds without being overwhelming, but you can always adjust the spice by adding more or less cheese or including red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser packed with flavor, creaminess, and a hint of spice that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become an instant favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from your plates!
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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
This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce, enhanced with Italian seasoning and fresh garlic, making it a satisfying meal for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 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
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
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 to retain the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
- Sauté 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 fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Cook the pasta: While the chicken cooks, 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. Drain and set aside.
- Create the sauce base: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken mixture. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat to meld the flavors.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until all cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce and sausage-chicken mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with any sausage of your choice such as Italian or smoked sausage.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for this dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
