Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta – Rich, Spicy, and Comforting
If you’re craving a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy, this recipe will hit the spot. Tender chicken and smoky sausage are cooked with pasta in a luscious Pepper Jack cheese sauce, finished with Parmesan for extra richness. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Slice the sausage into ½-inch pieces.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
- Shred both cheeses and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage slices and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Remove the sausage and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside with the sausage.
4. Build Flavor Base
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Cook Pasta in the Sauce
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Stir, cover, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Combine Proteins and Cheese
- Return the sausage and chicken to the skillet.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
7. Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Use smoked chicken sausage for deeper flavor.
- R otini or penne pasta holds the creamy sauce best.
- If Pepper Jack isn’t available, mix Monterey Jack with chopped jalapeños.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 52g