If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort with a little kick, this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is pure magic on a plate. It’s that perfect union of tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and a luscious, cheesy sauce made with Pepper Jack cheese that brings just enough spice to keep things exciting. Every bite is creamy, rich, and absolutely satisfying, making it a go-to meal for weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but come together beautifully to create the dish’s signature creamy texture, hearty protein, and vibrant flavor. Each component has a role, from the spicy Pepper Jack cheese to the savory sausage and fresh herbs that brighten everything up.
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: Use turkey for a leaner option or swap in your favorite sausage to enhance the flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender chunks provide hearty protein and soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds onto sauce well for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, forming the base of our creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and smoothness that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese: This cheese adds both creaminess and a gentle spicy kick that defines the dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory note to balance the Pepper Jack heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and developing flavor in the proteins and aromatics.
- 1 small onion, diced: Gives a subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and an essential flavor base.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to enhance the savory profile without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & 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 flavor but also renders a bit of fat to keep everything moist. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside—don’t wash the pan because those browned bits are pure flavor gold.
Step 2: Cook Chicken, Onion, and Garlic
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. This creates a savory, aromatic base for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook Pasta to Al Dente
While your chicken mixture cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Cooking pasta to this point ensures it retains a bit of firmness, providing the perfect texture contrast when tossed in the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine Sausage, Broth, and Cream
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the chicken mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring this to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat to meld the flavors and start thickening the sauce. This process makes the sauce rich and inviting.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Reduce the heat and add the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats each piece of chicken and sausage. This step is key to achieving that signature creaminess you’re craving.
Step 6: Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and sausage. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with that irresistible creamy sauce. This ensures every forkful bursts with flavor and satisfaction.
Step 7: Serve with a Fresh Garnish
Plate your pasta hot and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top. This final touch adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here—it adds a vibrant color and refreshing contrast against the creamy, cheesy sauce. You could also sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the pasta in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten the creamy flavors. For family dinners, layering pasta and sauce in a baked casserole form topped with extra cheese can be a fun twist to serve everyone hot and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy pepper jack chicken and sausage pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely after resting, making the leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of cream-based sauces may slightly change upon thawing, but a quick reheating with a splash of cream or broth helps revive it.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick or has separated. This will bring back its creamy consistency and delicious flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap turkey sausage for pork, chicken, or even chorizo depending on your taste preference. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but still pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different. Nutritional yeast or cashew cream can be good substitutes to achieve a creamy result.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Rotini or penne are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, you could also try fusilli, rigatoni, or shells for similar results.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the sausage and chicken ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Pasta is best cooked fresh, but if needed, cook and toss with a bit of oil before refrigerating to prevent sticking.
How spicy is the Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the Pepper Jack cheese. It has a pleasant, gentle kick that enhances but does not overpower the rich creaminess, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate just a touch of spice.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and savory sausage creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe rotation—you’re going to love every delicious forkful!
Print
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & 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 and sausage pasta is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender diced chicken, savory turkey sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheeses. Cooked pasta is tossed in a luscious blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and melted cheeses, creating a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced (or use any sausage you prefer)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce & Seasonings
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and 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 from the skillet and set aside for later use.
- Cook chicken with aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced chicken along with diced onion and minced garlic. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Cook pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine sausage and liquids: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat to combine all flavors.
- Add cheeses to form sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy cheesy sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley which adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with any sausage of your choice such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Pepper Jack cheese or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh herbal note and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
