Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/creamy-pepper-jack-pasta-recipe/
