Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines the spicy kick of pepper jack cheese with tender chicken and savory sausage. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the al dente pasta to the velvety sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz penne pasta
- Protein: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- Liquids: 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream
- Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, mixing well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Gradually stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main-dish
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 900 milligrams
- Fat: 35 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 milligrams
Keywords: Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta, creamy pasta, pepper jack cheese, chicken pasta, sausage pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal, American cuisine, pasta recipes, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta