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
Scale
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.
