If you have been searching for a soul-warming, flavorful dish to delight your family or friends, look no further than the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender chunks of chicken, savory smoked sausage, and the irresistible creaminess of melted pepper jack cheese, all tossed with pasta in a luscious spiced cream sauce. Each bite bursts with rich, smoky, and slightly spicy goodness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve when you want to make dinner feel truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component is simple, but every one brings something important to the final dish — from the texture of the pasta to the spicy kick of the cheese and sausage.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing that adds a subtle fruity richness without overpowering flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these bite-sized pieces soak up all the delicious seasonings beautifully.
- Smoked sausage: Adds smoky depth and a satisfying meaty chew that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that essential aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid foundation that infuses the pasta with savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: Brings irresistible creaminess to the sauce, marrying all the ingredients harmoniously.
- Uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta: These shapes hold sauce well, ensuring every bite is coated with cheesy goodness.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: The star of the show, providing meltiness with a delightful tang and just the right amount of spice.
- Paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes: These spices layer in warmth, depth, and optional heat to enhance the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the vibrant flavors of every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and adds a pop of color when garnished.
How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden brown crust and is cooked through, which should take around 5 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in flavor and creating a savory base for the dish. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Garlic
In that same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until it is lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. This adds wonderful smoky notes to the dish that mingle beautifully with the spicy cheese. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just long enough for its fragrance to awaken the senses without burning. This quick step layers even more depth of flavor into your dish.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Sausage, and Liquids
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. This combination creates the rich, velvety sauce that will tie everything together. Stir gently to combine, preparing the skillet for the pasta to be added next.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer
Now, stir in the uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process cooks the pasta perfectly in the creamy sauce, which thickens as the pasta absorbs the flavorful liquid. The result is tender pasta with a luscious texture that will have everyone wanting seconds.
Step 5: Melt in the Pepper Jack Cheese
The final step is to stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and, if you like a little extra heat, the red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted fully, turning the sauce creamy, spicy, and utterly indulgent. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning at this stage, adding more salt or pepper if needed before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a beautiful green pop of color but also introduces a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the rich, creamy sauce perfectly. You can also add a little extra shredded pepper jack cheese for cheese lovers or a light drizzle of olive oil to add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which can cut through the richness and refresh the palate. Garlic bread or a crusty artisan loaf also works beautifully here, perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in warm, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful mix of chicken, sausage, and melted cheese. For a fun twist, try topping it with a fried egg for extra richness or add roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for more color and nutrition. It also makes a great filling for stuffed bell peppers if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the heavy cream sauce might change slightly. For best results, freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When thawed, be sure to stir well before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the pasta seems too thick or dry. This will help bring back its creamy texture and ensure every bite tastes just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pepper jack provides a nice spicy kick, you can substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar for a milder flavor or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just keep in mind the spice level will vary.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Can I prepare this dish without the sausage?
Definitely. The sausage adds smokiness and texture, but you can omit it or substitute with other proteins like bacon or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option while keeping the creamy, cheesy flavors intact.
How spicy is the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the pepper jack cheese and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust by adding more flakes for heat or omitting them for a milder dish that everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne or rigatoni works best as their tube shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini will also do a great job capturing the sauce and blending flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe enough for a dinner that’s easy to make but feels truly indulgent. With its perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors, it’s guaranteed to win hearts and fill bellies. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals in no time!
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Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and spicy pepper jack cheese in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish features perfectly cooked pasta simmered directly in the sauce for maximum flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Dry & Spices
- 10 ounces uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned and slightly crispy.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the sausage in the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine ingredients and add liquids: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the pasta and simmer: Stir in the uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt the cheese and finish the sauce: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute or two until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños to the dish.
- The dish thickens as it cools; when reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary preferences.
