Ready to add a burst of creamy, cheesy goodness to your weeknight dinner routine? Meet Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta—your new go-to recipe for comfort food with a spicy twist! This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, designed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sauce is perfectly balanced by zesty Pepper Jack cheese and savory turkey sausage, all tossed together with juicy chicken and tender pasta. Fun fact: this dish was inspired by a family get-together where we realized just how versatile Pepper Jack can be! If you’re looking for something as easy as my crowd-favorite Cajun Chicken Alfredo but with a whole new flavor profile, keep reading. Trust me, your family will request this dish again and again—so let’s get cooking!
What is Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta?
Let’s break down that mouthful of a name, shall we? Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is exactly what it sounds like: a luscious pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, zippy Pepper Jack cheese, chunks of juicy chicken, and smoky sausage. Why do recipes always need such long names? Maybe because there’s just too much goodness to squeeze in! They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and I can tell you, this pasta is living, cheesy proof. Are you looking for a meal that wows the crowd without hours in the kitchen? Give this one a whirl and see just how quickly it becomes a family legend.
Why You’ll Love This
What’s not to adore about a dish that combines savory turkey sausage, tender chicken, and a creamy, flavorful sauce crowned with ooey-gooey Pepper Jack? The real highlight is the fantastic kick from the cheese—just enough spice to keep things interesting, but mellowed out by the rich cream and Parmesan. Making this at home is not only cost-effective but lets you control the quality and quantity of your ingredients. Why settle for expensive restaurant pasta when you can whip up a fresher, heartier version in your own kitchen? The layers of flavor from Italian seasoning, fresh garlic, and golden onions will have your family asking for seconds. If you love the boldness of my Spicy Shrimp Pasta, you’ll adore the comforting yet lively flavors in this plate. Try it tonight—you’ll be hooked!
How to Make
Quick Overview
The best thing about Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta? It’s irresistibly creamy, packs plenty of protein, and is ready in about 30 minutes! There’s no fancy equipment or complicated steps—just simple, honest ingredients working together to create an outstanding weeknight meal. The sauce is silky smooth, the pasta perfectly al dente, and it’s all finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You’ll have this satisfying dinner on the table before you know it.
Ingredients
1 lb turkey 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 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown the meats:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until it starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the meats from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine. - Melt the cheese:
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. - Combine and finish:
Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat in the cheesy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly combined. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. - Serve:
Dish the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy immediately!
What to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta With
This hearty, creamy pasta shines next to a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, which helps cut through the richness. A side of buttery garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. For drinks, consider a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling lemonade for a family-friendly dinner. Feeling indulgent? Pair it with roasted vegetables or a light Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- For an extra flavor boost, use smoked turkey sausage or swap in andouille for a bit more heat.
- You can easily substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
- Don’t rush the cheese melting process—keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
- If you love extra veggies, toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during step 3.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or double the amount of Pepper Jack cheese.
- Leftover pasta a bit thick? Stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Cool any leftover pasta to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to two months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. In the microwave, cover the pasta and heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until piping hot. The sauce may absorb into the pasta as it sits, so add extra liquid as needed to revive that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work beautifully—choose your family’s favorite.
Can I substitute the meat for something else?
Yes! Feel free to use all chicken, swap for shrimp or Italian sausage, or even make it vegetarian by doubling up on veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?
Try using half-and-half in place of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese, or bulk up with extra veggies for a lighter bite.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the whole dish and store in the fridge. Reheat gently when ready to serve, adding a bit of extra liquid to keep it saucy.
Is this recipe spicy?
Pepper Jack adds just a touch of heat, but you can dial it up or down by adjusting the cheese and adding crushed red pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—rich, flavorful, and easy to customize for your family’s taste. With simple ingredients, a hands-off method, and a sauce that dreams are made of, you’ll find yourself adding this recipe to your regular dinner rotation. Don’t forget to explore my other pasta favorites for even more inspiration! Give this pasta a try tonight and see just how quickly it disappears from your table.
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb Turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta
- 12 oz Rotini or penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Brown the meats. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until it starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the meats from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté aromatics. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine.
- Step 5: Melt the cheese. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Combine and finish. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat in the cheesy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly combined. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed.
- Step 7: Serve. Dish the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy immediately!