If you are craving a cozy, comforting, and slightly spicy dinner that’s as rich in flavor as it is in texture, the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe is absolutely for you. This dish combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a velvety cheese sauce with the exciting smoky kick of Pepper Jack cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and hearty elements that will quickly make this pasta recipe one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. From the spicy tang of Pepper Jack cheese to the savory depth of turkey sausage, these ingredients combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: Provides a smoky and meaty base that’s lean yet flavorful; you can swap for your favorite sausage if preferred.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Adds tender protein with a mild flavor that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: Perfect pasta shapes that hold the sauce well for a truly indulgent bite every time.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Builds the sauce’s savory foundation with a gentle richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: The star ingredient delivering creamy texture with a delightful spicy kick and melty goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and infusing subtle fruitiness into cooked meats and veggies.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and aromatic foundation that balances the cheese and meats.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses vibrant flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and a Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that sharpen and elevate every flavor layer.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Offers a fresh, colorful finish and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and 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 until it’s nicely browned on both sides. This step not only develops rich caramelized flavor but also renders some of the sausage fat, which will deepen the sauce’s taste later. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add the diced chicken along with diced onion and minced garlic. Season everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The onions soften and sweeten while the garlic infuses the chicken with a vibrant aroma.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While the sausage and chicken are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package’s instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. This perfectly cooked pasta will be the comforting canvas for the creamy sauce and flavorful proteins.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, joining the cooked chicken. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to start thickening. This base is the moment before we add the cheesy magic.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted completely, resulting in a smooth and luscious sauce that’s rich with spice and depth. The Pepper Jack adds a creamy heat that sets this dish apart.
Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully so that every piece of pasta is generously coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce mixed with juicy chicken and savory sausage. This step ensures that each forkful has the perfect balance of all the wonderful flavors.
Step 7: Serve
Finish by serving your Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This touch of green not only adds vibrant color but also a fresh herbal note that lifts the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic choice that adds brightness and a pop of natural color. If you want to enhance the dish even further, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. These sides add freshness and a variety of textures to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in deep bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooled beautifully around the noodles. For a fun twist, try piping the sauce over the pasta with a spoon for a restaurant-style finish, or top with some toasted pine nuts for unexpected crunch. Individual ramekins can turn this into a charming, cozy comfort food experience at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together, but add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating to revive the creaminess and prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Freezing
While the sauce is deliciously creamy, freezing this pasta can cause some separation upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove, stirring frequently to bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta slowly over low to medium heat on the stove with a little extra chicken broth or cream added to loosen the sauce. Stir often to help the sauce regain its smooth texture and ensure the chicken and sausage remain tender. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it might make the cheese sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap turkey sausage for pork, chicken, or even spicy chorizo, depending on your flavor preference. The key is to choose a sausage that complements the creamy and slightly spicy cheese sauce.
What pasta shapes work best for this dish?
Rotini and penne are ideal because their ridges and tubes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but you can also try rigatoni or farfalle. Just pick a shape that will capture that delicious sauce in every bite.
Is Pepper Jack cheese very spicy?
Pepper Jack cheese has a mild to moderate spiciness thanks to the peppers embedded in it, which adds a lovely kick without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer less heat, adjust the quantity or use a milder cheese blend.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure other ingredients such as broth and sausage are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta.
How can I reduce the calorie content without compromising flavor?
Try using light cream or half-and-half in place of heavy cream, and lean chicken sausage to keep the protein light. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly or add extra veggies to stretch the dish while maintaining rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its luxurious sauce, tender proteins, and spicy cheese are so easy to come together, making dinner feel special without the fuss. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your family’s recipe rotation – it’s truly that satisfying and delicious!
Print
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey sausage, and a luscious cheese sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this creamy pasta combines spicy and cheesy flavors with simple ingredients, cooked all on the stovetop for convenience.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced (or any preferred sausage)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Simmer the Sauce: 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.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheese 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 sausage such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or vegetarian sausage.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Using freshly grated cheeses will give the best melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheeses.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
