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Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish Recipe

Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish Recipe

5 from 6 reviews

This Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish combines tender chicken sausage and diced chicken breasts with a luscious blend of Pepper Jack and Parmesan cheeses in a rich, creamy sauce. The pasta is perfectly coated in a flavorful, spicy cheese sauce enhanced with Italian seasoning and fresh garlic, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Cheeses

  • 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics & Seasoning

  • 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

  1. Cook the chicken sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken and aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced chicken breasts, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, stirring occasionally.
  3. Prepare the pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Combine sausage and make sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add cheeses to sauce: Reduce heat slightly and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for garnish before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken sausage with Italian sausage or turkey sausage if preferred.
  • For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes along with Italian seasoning.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy pepper jack pasta, chicken sausage pasta, creamy cheese pasta, spicy cheese pasta recipe, Italian seasoning pasta, easy creamy pasta dish