Description
This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey sausage, and rotini pasta tossed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe combines spices, garlic, and Italian seasoning to create a deliciously spicy and cheesy pasta dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced (or use any sausage you prefer)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 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 chicken and aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced chicken along with the onion and 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.
- Boil the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine meats and liquids: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Create the cheese sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve with garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color and added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with any cooked sausage of your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Use rotini or penne pasta as they hold sauce well, but rigatoni or farfalle can also work.
- Make sure to stir frequently when adding cheese to prevent it from clumping or separating.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
