Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something a little special. Rich, spicy, and wonderfully hearty, it pairs tender chicken with smoky sausage and a velvety Pepper Jack sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it offers so much flavour with surprisingly little effort. I’ve even tried making it once with a splash of almond milk when I ran out of cream, and it still came together beautifully, though slightly lighter. The balance of heat from the cheese, the savouriness of the sausage, and the creaminess of the sauce makes this pasta irresistibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want maximum payoff with minimal fuss, and it reheats well—ideal for lunches the next day.
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Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta: A Bold, Comforting Weeknight Star
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich, creamy chicken dish featuring spicy Pepper Jack cheese, tender chicken breasts, and a velvety sauce perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add shredded Pepper Jack cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir into the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- Adjust heat level by using extra spicy Pepper Jack or adding red pepper flakes.
- Substitute half-and-half for lighter sauce, though it may be less thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is bold, creamy, and incredibly filling. The combination of chicken and sausage provides depth and heartiness, while the Pepper Jack cheese adds a warm, lingering spice. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavourful enough for entertaining. The dish is flexible, can be customised easily, and delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs give the dish its tender, juicy bite. Thighs add richness, while breasts keep it leaner. Either option absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage brings depth and savouriness. Its natural seasoning complements the Pepper Jack sauce and adds a satisfying contrast to the chicken.
Pasta
Short pastas like penne or rotini hold the creamy sauce well. Their ridges and twists catch the melted cheese, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour.
Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack is the star ingredient. It melts smoothly into the sauce and gives the pasta its signature spicy creaminess.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious base of the sauce. It balances the heat from the cheese and keeps the dish silky and cohesive.
Chicken Broth
Broth adds savoury depth and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency without reducing its richness.
Garlic
Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and enhances the flavour of both meats.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and structure to the sauce, rounding out the spice of the Pepper Jack.
Olive Oil
Olive oil aids in browning the chicken and sausage, helping build layers of flavour in the pan.
Salt and Pepper
These essentials heighten all the core flavours and allow you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Directions
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden and no longer pink. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Gradually add the Pepper Jack cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth, spicy sauce. Return the sausage to the pan and incorporate the cooked pasta, tossing to ensure everything is fully coated. Let the dish simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta. Serve warm, allowing the flavours to settle before plating.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 20–25 minutes of cooking time, making it an ideal 35–40 minute meal from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works as well, though stir halfway through for even warming.
Variations and Customizations
Add Vegetables
Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms add colour and extra nutrients without altering the core flavour.
Swap the Sausage
Use andouille for added heat or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Adjust the Spice
Increase or decrease the amount of Pepper Jack to tailor the heat level to your preference.
Tomato-Cream Twist
Add a spoonful of tomato paste for a blush-coloured, deeper flavoured sauce.
Extra Cheesy
Combine Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack for added creaminess without extra heat.
Cajun Version
Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken and sausage for a Southern-inspired variation.
Herb Finish
Fresh parsley or basil brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta without adjusting the rest of the recipe.
Smoky Variation
Add smoked paprika to enhance the sausage’s natural flavour.
Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free cream and a spicy vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based adaptation.
FAQs
Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes, but add it toward the end to prevent overcooking.
Can I substitute the Pepper Jack cheese?
Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar can be used, though the flavour will be less spicy.
How spicy is this dish?
Pepper Jack provides moderate heat, but you can adjust by adding more or less.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare it in advance and reheat gently with added cream or broth.
What pasta shape works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. A mix of milk and cream works well too.
Conclusion
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a vibrant, satisfying meal that effortlessly blends spice, richness, and comfort. With its adaptable ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a dish you’ll return to often, whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or simply treating yourself. This recipe delivers warmth, depth, and indulgence in every bite.
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