Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta – Cheesy, Spicy, and Satisfying

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a spicy, cheesy sauce. This one-pan pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s a dish the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender & Flavorful – Juicy chicken and seasoned sausage deliver rich, hearty flavors.
Cheesy & Spicy – Pepper Jack cheese adds a creamy texture with a mild kick.
Quick & Easy – Minimal prep and one-pan cooking for fast weeknight dinners.
Comforting Meal – Creamy pasta coated in a flavorful sauce is both filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta
  • 1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Chicken & Sausage
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics
    In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Prepare the Sauce & Pasta
    Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Add Cheese & Protein
    Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and creamy. Return chicken and sausage to the skillet and combine with the pasta and sauce.
  5. Serve
    Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~550
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
  • Cook Pasta in Sauce – Absorbs flavor and keeps pasta creamy.
  • Adjust Spice Level – Add or omit red pepper flakes depending on your preference.

Why This Recipe Works

Tender chicken and flavorful sausage are paired with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta. Cooking everything in one skillet allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich, comforting, and satisfying meal.

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a quick, hearty, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With creamy cheese, spicy notes, and tender proteins, it’s a meal that delivers big flavor in every bite.

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta – Cheesy, Spicy, and Satisfying

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

550

kcal

Creamy pasta tossed with tender chicken, savory sausage, and melted pepper jack cheese — a hearty, spicy, and comforting one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta

  • 1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook Chicken & Sausage
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics
    In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  • Prepare the Sauce & Pasta
    Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  • Add Cheese & Protein
    Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and creamy. Return chicken and sausage to the skillet and combine with the pasta and sauce.
  • Serve
    Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
    Cook Pasta in Sauce – Absorbs flavor and keeps pasta creamy.
    Adjust Spice Level – Add or omit red pepper flakes depending on your preference.

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