Nothing beats a dish that brings together comfort, spice, and a touch of creamy indulgence like this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe. With tender chunks of chicken, smoky sausage, and a luscious sauce loaded with melted Pepper Jack cheese, it’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with rich, bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes that guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet flavorful ingredients is all you need to create a dish that’s packed with texture, color, and that signature spicy creaminess that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: Adds smoky, savory depth and a satisfying bite.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Provides tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: Perfect pasta shapes for holding on to that creamy sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Builds the flavorful base for the creamy sauce without heaviness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: The star ingredient, melting into creamy, spicy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a lovely richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Infuses gentle sweetness and aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and herbaceousness.
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 it until the edges are beautifully browned on both sides. This browning step is key because it locks in flavor and gives the sausage a slight crispiness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce later on. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Season everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation and allows the onions and garlic to soften and mingle with the chicken’s natural juices.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the proteins are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini or penne, cooking it until just al dente according to the package instructions. Properly cooked pasta is essential here because it will continue to absorb some of the creamy sauce, making every bite perfectly tender and flavorful. Drain the pasta and keep it ready for combining.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquids to reduce slightly. This simmering is where the magic happens as the creamy base thickens and prepares for the cheese.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Lower the heat to avoid scorching and gradually stir in the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue mixing until both cheeses melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce that carries a satisfying kick from the Pepper Jack. This step transforms the skillet into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece that clings perfectly to your pasta.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with the Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to fully coat every piece in that rich, creamy sauce. This ensures every forkful delivers the creamy spice, savory sausages, and tender chicken in harmonious balance. This final mix makes the dish inviting and ready to serve immediately.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta hot, topping it off with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. The parsley not only beautifies the dish but adds a fresh contrast that lifts the creamy richness just enough to keep things bright and lively at the table.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each serving to inject a pop of green and subtle fresh notes. You can also add a few red pepper flakes if you want to turn up the heat slightly. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a touch of brightness that complements the creaminess wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans offer great texture contrast and a healthy balance. If you want to keep things cozy, garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are fantastic choices to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the pasta directly from the skillet placed on a trivet in the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in and share. Alternatively, you can portion it into individual bowls topped with extra cheese and parsley for a more elegant touch. Garnishing with edible flowers or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots can add a restaurant-worthy wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s a fantastic option for quick weekday lunches or second-day dinners because the flavors meld even more overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, make sure to cool the pasta completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta might soften somewhat after thawing. To minimize this, consider undercooking the pasta slightly the first time, so it stands up better to freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems thick or dry. Stir frequently to maintain that luscious creaminess and prevent the cheese from separating. Reheat until warmed through and enjoy just as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Pepper Jack cheese brings the signature spicy creaminess, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar to tweak the flavor profile to your liking. Just keep the creamy texture in mind.
Is turkey sausage necessary, or can I use another sausage?
Feel free to swap turkey sausage for pork, chicken, or even a spicy chorizo. Different sausages will alter the flavor slightly, but they all pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and chicken and use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant instead. Boost the flavor with extra garlic, herbs, and perhaps a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a satisfying twist.
How spicy is the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The Pepper Jack cheese provides a gentle kick of heat that’s balanced by the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer it milder, use less Pepper Jack or mix it with a milder cheese to suit your taste buds perfectly.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini and penne are ideal because their shapes catch the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells – the key is to choose a pasta that holds sauce in its curves and hollows.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that combines hearty protein, rich creaminess, and just the right amount of spice, this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that impresses without fuss and leaves everyone at your table asking for seconds. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do!
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Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and 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 skillet meal featuring tender chicken, savory turkey sausage, and pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines Italian seasoning and garlic with a creamy blend of chicken broth and heavy cream for a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Protein
- 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
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Cook 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.
- Prepare pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini or penne pasta 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 the ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Make cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cheesy meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for both color and added flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use a spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
