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Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that delivers both spice and comfort in every bite, Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is your answer.
This meal is a perfect marriage of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and a rich Pepper Jack cheese sauce, all wrapped around a bed of rotini or penne pasta.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests, this dish offers a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience at home.
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)
Instructions
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage.
Cook the sausage until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, without cleaning it out, add the diced chicken breast. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté everything together, stirring often, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, which should take about five to seven minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
You can choose between rotini or penne depending on your preference. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
Once the chicken is cooked through, return the browned sausage to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together.
Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
When the mixture is simmering, begin stirring in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese followed by the Parmesan cheese.
Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy, coating the meats and onions beautifully.
Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss it with the sauce until every piece is coated. Make sure the pasta is fully heated through and combined evenly with the meat and cheese sauce mixture.
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and added freshness. .Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the indulgent flavors of this creamy pasta masterpiece.
How to Make
Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the chicken sausage into rounds, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, and chop the onion and garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures a smooth and efficient process.
Use a deep skillet or a large sauté pan for this recipe since everything, including the pasta, will eventually come together in one pan. This minimizes cleanup and makes it easier to manage the sauce and ingredients.
Brown the sausage first to build flavor. When you remove it from the skillet, the browned bits left behind will add depth to the chicken and onion mixture. This layering of flavor is key to a rich-tasting sauce.
When cooking the chicken, sauté it with the onion and garlic to enhance the overall taste. Don’t rush this step—let the onions soften and the garlic become fragrant while the chicken cooks through.
Simmering the broth and cream together with the sausage and chicken brings all the savory flavors into harmony. Stirring in the cheeses while the sauce is hot but not boiling prevents the cheese from separating and ensures a silky texture.
Tossing the cooked pasta directly into the sauce allows the noodles to absorb the rich, creamy flavors. It also ensures that the cheese sauce clings to every piece of pasta, making each bite satisfying and cohesive.
Finish with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the herbaceous note also brightens the creamy richness of the dish. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Variations
To switch things up, try using spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken sausage for an added kick. The extra spice pairs wonderfully with the creamy Pepper Jack cheese.
Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer juicier and more flavorful meat. Thighs add a richer depth to the dish.
You can experiment with different pasta shapes such as farfalle or cavatappi. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well and give the dish a new texture profile.
Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the mix for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. These additions balance the creaminess with freshness and a slight acidity.
For a smoky touch, stir in a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. This deepens the flavor and complements the sausage perfectly.
Consider replacing half of the Pepper Jack cheese with Mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder version, especially if you’re serving this dish to children or those sensitive to spice.
Turn it into a baked pasta by transferring the finished mixture to a casserole dish, topping it with extra cheese, and baking it until bubbly and golden. This adds a crispy top layer for more texture and flavor.
Tips
Use freshly shredded Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged. Fresh cheese melts better and gives a smoother, more luxurious texture to the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce. This prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
Make sure to simmer the cream and broth mixture gently—don’t boil it. High heat can cause the cream to separate and affect the smoothness of the sauce.
Reserve a little pasta water before draining. If the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, use the reserved water to thin it out while maintaining flavor.
Taste and season throughout the cooking process. Ingredients like sausage and cheese can be salty, so adjust carefully to avoid overseasoning.
If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts. This shortcut still delivers delicious results.
Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may cause the cheese to become grainy.
Conclusion
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s simple to make.
full of bold and satisfying flavors, and can be customized to suit your preferences. The spicy kick from the cheese combined with the savory sausage and creamy sauce creates a meal that’s hard to forget.
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