WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
This Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish is a delightful blend of flavors that will excite your taste buds. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with family and friends. The creamy sauce, infused with the gentle heat of Pepper Jack cheese, creates a comforting meal that is not only satisfying but also full of protein from the chicken sausage and chicken breasts. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less mess and easier clean-up. If you love cheesy pasta that has a little bit of a kick, this recipe is for you!
HOW TO MAKE Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
-
Heat Olive Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook Chicken Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until it’s browned on both sides. This should take about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for now.
-
Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts, the diced onion, and the minced garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
-
Boil Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
-
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
-
Add Cheese: Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and the grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
-
Mix in Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious, creamy sauce. Let it sit off the heat for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
-
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice touch and a bit of color.
HOW TO SERVE Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish
To serve this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish, simply dish it out onto plates. You can offer additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the side for those who might want an extra bit of spice. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!
HOW TO STORE Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish is easy. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened.
TIPS TO MAKE Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish
-
Choose the Right Pasta: While rotini and penne work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type.
-
Control the Spice: If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using a milder cheese or reducing the amount of Pepper Jack cheese. You can even mix in some mozzarella for creaminess without intense heat.
-
Add Vegetables: For a more nutritious dish, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the chicken breast and onion.
-
Make it Ahead: You can prep many of the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the sausages, dice the chicken, and even prep the veggies a day prior.
-
Reheat With Care: When reheating, do it gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to put your own spin on this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish. Here are a few ideas:
-
Meat Variations: Swap out chicken sausage for turkey sausage or Italian sausage, depending on your flavor preference.
-
Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and using plant-based sausage or just loading up on vegetables.
-
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier dish, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce.
-
Spice Level: If you love spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
-
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses. Monterey jack or even cheddar can give a unique flavor while still keeping it creamy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The dish has moderate spice due to the Pepper Jack cheese. If you prefer something milder, you can reduce the amount of Pepper Jack or use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
3. Can I freeze this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just allow it to cool, then place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
4. How long does this dish last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Just sauté them with the chicken and onions.
Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot, add pasta, and cook as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Return the sausage to the skillet with chicken. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in Pepper Jack cheese and Parmesan until smooth.
- Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Let sit off heat for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Optionally, serve with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes.