If you are craving a rich, flavorful dish that brings comfort and a bit of excitement to your dinner table, the Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy pasta combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and the vibrant melt of pepper jack cheese to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every twist of pasta. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that balances spice, creaminess, and hearty textures, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients for this recipe is simple, but each one plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. From the smoky depth of the sausage to the creamy texture of the cheese, every component contributes to the amazing flavor and texture you’ll adore.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for browning the meat, adding a subtle fruity richness to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick and even cooking, providing tender protein.
- Smoked sausage: Adds a smoky, savory note that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch that makes the dish truly irresistible.
- Onion: Chopped finely to melt into the sauce and provide a subtle sweetness.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that simmers the pasta and infuses everything with depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats the pasta in every bite.
- Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: Perfect shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce and sausage bits.
- Pepper jack cheese: Shredded and melted for that spicy, creamy kick that defines this recipe.
- Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and enhances the smoky undertones from the sausage.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and heighten all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley or green onions: Fresh garnishes to add a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your cubed chicken into the pan and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked all the way through. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the chicken first is crucial because it locks in juices and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that sets the foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Next, add the sliced smoked sausage to the same pan and cook it until it develops a lovely golden color. Then, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them together until they soften and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the savory and aromatic base that enhances every bite of the pasta.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Liquids
Return the browned chicken to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream along with the uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so all the flavors start to meld. This is where the magic begins—the pasta will cook directly in this creamy, flavorful mixture, absorbing all those delicious notes.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up the flavors while the liquid mostly evaporates. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 5: Melt in the Pepper Jack Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese. It melts quickly, creating a velvety sauce with just the right kick of spice. This step transforms the dish into the ultimate creamy experience you’ve been anticipating.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley or green onions on top. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a lively contrast to the richness of the dish. Serve it warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight as they dig into this comforting masterpiece.
How to Serve Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped parsley or bright green onions not only enhance the look of your pasta but also add a subtle freshness that balances the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly. Feel free to experiment by adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you love an extra spicy zing.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to cut through the richness. A side of roasted broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad would add a lovely textural and flavor contrast without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual mini casserole dishes or rustic bowls sprinkled lightly with extra cheese and fresh herbs. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving can elevate the dish even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining the delicious flavors and creamy texture with proper storage.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish, although the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change. To freeze, cool the dish completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and revive that luscious creamy consistency. Stir frequently until heated through, being careful not to overcook the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While pepper jack cheese gives this recipe its signature spicy creaminess, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind the unique kick pepper jack provides is a highlight of this dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken and sausage for plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it fully plant-based.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the sauce well, but you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Avoid very thin noodles because they might get lost in the creamy sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can boost the nutrition and add color. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic for the best texture and flavor integration.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level comes primarily from the pepper jack cheese and smoked paprika, giving it a gentle to moderate kick. You can adjust the spice by using less paprika or choosing a milder cheese if preferred.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is an irresistible combination of creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors that will soon become a household favorite. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting embrace of every cheesy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned bite.
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Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & 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
Description
This Ultimate Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, savory smoked sausage, and creamy pepper jack cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Brown the sausage and sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add chicken and liquids: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta for the best texture with the creamy sauce.
- Keep stirring occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or Andouille sausage for different flavor profiles.
- This dish can be made milder by using a mild cheese instead of pepper jack.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
