Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy, melty cheese and savory spices with this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta dish. Loaded with tender chicken, smoked sausage, and a decadent pepper jack cheese sauce, this pasta recipe is a cozy, comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 8 ounce smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounce pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Chicken and Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sliced sausage, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne, chicken, and sausage to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
To ensure your Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is an absolute culinary triumph, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
– Substitute Ingredients: If you can’t find pepper jack cheese, you can use a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. For a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.
– Adjust Spice Level: Love the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less pepper jack cheese or omit the paprika.
– Storage and Reheating: Leftover Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or cream and gently warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg