Description
This Indulgent Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast, smoky sausage, and ooey-gooey pepper jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (or rigatoni for a different twist)
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (sear until golden)
- 8 ounces Smoked Sausage (or turkey sausage for a lighter option)
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter variation)
- 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese (freshly grated for best melting)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- optional Parsley (fresh herbs for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. If using smoked sausage, slice into rounds or half-moons. Grate the pepper jack cheese until ready.
- Sear the Proteins: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, lightly brown the sliced smoked sausage to enhance its flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pan, add the uncooked penne pasta and enough water to cover the pasta by about an inch. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain excess water if needed, leaving a bit of pasta water in the pan for sauce consistency.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy cream to the pan with the pasta. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the grated pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the seared chicken and browned sausage to the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy cheese sauce and the proteins are evenly distributed. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, indulgent meal.
Notes
- For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and turkey sausage for smoked sausage.
- Freshly grated pepper jack cheese melts better and improves the sauce’s texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
