Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 pound of chicken breasts, diced
- 8 ounces of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu if you want a meatless version. And if you’re not a fan of pepper jack, try using mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile!
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded pepper jack cheese and paprika to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, and enjoy the smiles around the table!
As you make this dish, don’t stress about getting everything perfect. Just like in my childhood kitchen, the magic happens in the messiness and the love you pour into it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta, recipe, cooking, food