If you’re craving soul-warming comfort with a kick, Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta will absolutely become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This one-skillet wonder is brimming with zesty Cajun flavor, tender bites of chicken and smoky sausage, tossed in a silky sauce loaded with melty pepper jack and parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta soaks up every drop of creamy, cheesy goodness, and a shower of fresh parsley finishes it all with a dash of color and freshness. Indulgent yet easy, you’ll be reaching for seconds—and maybe even hoping for leftovers!

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta so irresistible? It’s the transformative power of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item brings its own character, color, and richness, making every bite more exciting than the last.

Penne or rigatoni (12 ounces): These sturdy pasta shapes capture the sauce in every crevice and make for a satisfying, saucy mouthful.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps everything cook to golden, flavorful perfection without sticking.
Boneless skinless chicken breast (1/2 pound): Tender chicken bites soak up all the spices and creaminess.
Smoked sausage (1/2 pound): Infuses the dish with smoky richness and a hint of spice; kielbasa or andouille both work.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the savory base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Must-have for a fragrant, full-bodied foundation.
Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers a flavorful punch and warms up the whole skillet.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the spices and gives a gentle smokiness.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the heat and sharpens all the other flavors.
Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The secret to that impossibly luscious, velvety sauce.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Brings savory depth while keeping the sauce from being too thick.
Pepper jack cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Star of the show! Spicy, creamy, and melts like a dream.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and adds another layer of cheesy richness.
Chopped parsley (optional): Brings a pop of freshness and vibrant green color to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions. The key is to drain it while it still has a slight bite, so it won’t get mushy later. Set it aside, ready to soak up all that incredible sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a generous skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil and add those bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them sizzle until golden and just cooked through, about five to six minutes. Resist the urge to move them around too much—they’ll develop a lovely crust! Once done, scoop them onto a plate for a quick breather while you start layering in new flavors.

Step 3: Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics

Into the same warm skillet, toss in the sausage slices. Let them crisp and brown for three to four minutes, which unlocks their smoky flavor. Add in the diced onion and sauté until softened and fragrant. Finally, stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Give it all about thirty seconds—just enough to wake up those spices and make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat to medium and gently pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Watch as the sauce begins to bubble softly—this is where the magic starts. Let it gently simmer for three to four minutes until it thickens ever so slightly (just enough to cling to the pasta layers, not so much it turns gloopy).

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Sprinkle in the shredded pepper jack cheese and grated parmesan. Stir steadily as the cheeses melt into the cream, transforming everything into a smooth, velvety, boldly flavored sauce. Don’t be afraid to sneak a taste at this point—you’ll love how the spicy tang of pepper jack anchors every creamy bite.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Toss the browned chicken and cooked pasta right back into the skillet with your dreamy sauce. Gently fold it all together to ensure every tube or twist of pasta is coated in that luscious, cheesy goodness. Let it all warm gently for another minute or two so the flavors come together in true harmony.

How to Serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of fresh, chopped parsley works wonders for this dish—its brightness contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and rich proteins. If you love extra zest, a sprinkle of extra black pepper, red pepper flakes, or even just an extra shower of parmesan cheese right before serving makes each plate pop.

Side Dishes

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta would be sensational with a crisp green salad featuring peppery arugula, or a simple Caesar. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlicky Texas toast or a warm artisan roll to help scoop up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in adorable oven-safe mini cast iron skillets or shallow bowls. If company’s coming, top with extra broiled cheese and parsley, then let everyone serve themselves family-style. Kids love it packed into baked pasta shells, while adults might enjoy a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for extra fire!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have any Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta left, let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Properly stored in the fridge, it will taste fantastic for up to three days. You’ll notice the sauce thickens over time, which makes those next-day forkfuls extra satisfying.

Freezing

This pasta is surprisingly freezer-friendly, thanks to the cream and cheese sauce. Allow everything to cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results, as this helps keep the pasta’s texture more intact.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy again, transfer the pasta to a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce, as creamy pastas thicken up in the fridge. Gently reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, or zap in thirty-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni really catch the sauce, Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta loves variety. Rotini, fusilli, or even fettuccine will work beautifully, so use whatever you have on hand or love the most.

What if I want it extra spicy?

If you’re a fan of heat, toss in a pinch (or three) of red pepper flakes, or sub in hot smoked sausage or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The creamy, cheesy base tames even bolder spice, so don’t be shy!

Can I make this lighter?

Definitely. Swap in half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use part-skim pepper jack cheese to cut down on richness, but keep the sauce smooth. It’ll be slightly less thick, but still incredibly tasty and comforting.

Is there a way to make this ahead for a party?

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta actually gets better as it sits! Make it up to a day ahead, cool completely, then gently reheat with a bit of cream just before serving. If you want to wow a crowd, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil until bubbly before presenting.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes this dish even easier. Just cut down the browning time—simply stir it in after you build the sauce to warm through, and continue on as written.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t whipped up a pot of Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta yet, let this be the dish that wins you over for good. It’s hearty, endlessly adaptable, delightfully cheesy, and the kind of meal that brings people running to the table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special gathering, one thing’s for sure: this pasta will be the star!

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this flavorful Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta. A satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce with a hint of Cajun spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Chicken & Sausage:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 pound smoked sausage (sliced)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken & Sausage: Brown chicken in olive oil. Cook sausage, onion, garlic, and spices until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Add cream and broth to skillet. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
Combine & Serve: Mix in cooked chicken and pasta. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!