Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy pepper jack cheese sauce.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Add to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add the pepper jack and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
For a one-pot version, cook uncooked pasta directly in the sauce using 2 1/2 cups broth, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup cream until tender.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
