Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a luscious cheese sauce with a bit of a spicy kick. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this pasta is both rich and flavorful, sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 340 g penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 450 g chicken breast, diced
• 225 g smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, brown the smoked sausage slices until crisp at the edges. Remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add butter, then sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Gradually whisk in shredded pepper jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gently thin it with the reserved pasta water.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken, sausage, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated pepper jack cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or a creamy dairy alternative.

Storage

Store leftover creamy pepper jack pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute pepper jack with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or add cheddar for extra sharpness. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and smoked sausage, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to maintain heartiness and flavor.

Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed with tender chicken breast, smoky sausage, and a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream and melted pepper jack cheese. Aromatic spices and sautéed onions and garlic elevate the flavor, making it a comforting and indulgent dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Proteins

• 340 g penne pasta
• 450 g chicken breast, diced
• 225 g smoked sausage, sliced

Cooking Fats and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Dairy and Cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned and crisp at the edges, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate browned bits. Gradually whisk in the shredded pepper jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, sausage, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy cheese sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• For the smoothest sauce, use freshly grated pepper jack cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer some extra heat.
• To reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess and heat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta, chicken pasta recipe, pepper jack cheese pasta, creamy sausage pasta, one-pan pasta dish, comfort food