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)

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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.