Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Sausage:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the 12 oz of pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water well before adding the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) and the 1/2 lb of sliced sausage. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook the chicken and sausage for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sausage is browned. Remove the chicken and sausage from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for about 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you like more heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce an extra kick. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sausage: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet, stirring everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Finish and Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the creamy pepper jack chicken and sausage pasta immediately, paired with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
   

   Notes