Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken And Sausage Pasta

Discover the ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta recipe — a bold and comforting meal loaded with spicy cheese, tender chicken, and savory sausage. Ready in just 35 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you're craving a weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, savory, and just a touch spicy—then this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is your perfect match. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that brings the whole family to the table fast. The boldness of Pepper Jack cheese, the heartiness of chicken sausage, and the richness of heavy cream unite in a dish that feels like indulgence but comes together easily.

Tools You’ll Need

·        Large skillet or sauté pan

·        Medium saucepan (for pasta)

·        Chef’s knife

·        Cutting board

·        Measuring cups and spoons

·        Wooden spoon or spatula

·        Colander

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

·        1 tsp Italian seasoning

·        Salt and black pepper to taste

·        Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add diced chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the onions are translucent—about 5–7 minutes.

3. Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a separate pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and bring to a soft simmer.

5. Melt the Cheeses

Stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and thick.

6. Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and ingredients are evenly mixed. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips for Success

·        For extra creaminess, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded—it's smoother and melts better.

·        Avoid curdling: Don’t boil the cream sauce. Keep it at a gentle simmer.

·        Control the heat: Pepper Jack cheese adds a kick—if you're cooking for sensitive palates, mix in a little mozzarella to balance the spice.

Variations & Customizations

·        Add veggies: Sautéed bell peppers or spinach make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.

·        Make it smoky: Try smoked sausage for deeper flavor.

·        Go low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

·        Want more heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Storage & Reheating

·        Storage: Cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

·        Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

·        Freezing: Not ideal—cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

·        Calories: 560

·        Protein: 32g

·        Carbohydrates: 35g

·        Fat: 32g

·        Saturated Fat: 15g

·        Fiber: 2g

·        Sugar: 3g

·        Sodium: 870mg

Prep & Cook Times

·        Prep Time: 15 minutes

·        Cook Time: 20 minutes

·        Total Time: 35 minutes

·        Serves: 6–8

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! If Pepper Jack is too spicy, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great alternatives that still melt beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage is certified gluten-free.

Can I use precooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time for the chicken step and warm it through with the onions and garlic.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half, and use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on calories.

This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a bold, comforting dinner that delivers big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking to indulge a little, this dish brings warmth, spice, and satisfaction to every bite. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite.