Description
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, savory turkey sausage, and rotini pasta tossed in a rich and creamy cheese sauce made with Pepper Jack and Parmesan. This quick and comforting meal combines spices, fresh herbs, and a luscious sauce that effortlessly comes together on the stovetop, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 lb turkey sausage, sliced (or use any sausage you prefer)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced chicken along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine Sausage and Liquids: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage with pork or chicken sausage if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
