Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings comfort food to your table. It combines savory chicken sausage and tender chicken breasts with creamy cheeses and spiraled pasta for a meal that is both filling and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a dinner party. The blend of spices and creamy texture makes each bite a delight.
How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
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 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, return the sausage to the skillet. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Pepper Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta dish hot, straight from the skillet. You can plate it in bowls and top it with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
- For added flavor, consider using smoked sausage or adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- You can easily swap out the pasta type based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- If you love veggies, add some spinach or bell peppers while cooking the chicken.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different types of cheese such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can also replace chicken with shrimp or a different protein if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, fettuccine, or bow ties.
2. How spicy is Pepper Jack cheese?
Pepper Jack cheese has a mild to medium spice level, but you can easily adjust the heat by using more or less cheese or adding extra pepper.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine before serving. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced Consider using smoked sausage for added flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Add a splash while reheating if needed.
- 1.5 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese Adjust the amount for spiciness.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional, for serving.
Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Preparing the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combining Ingredients
- Once the chicken is cooked, return the sausage to the skillet.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Pepper Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.