Is this Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta one of those low effort dinner recipes that still tastes like home? It is. My mom worked late shifts, but she never skipped dinner. She’d throw together whatever we had chicken, cheese, pasta and somehow it always felt like magic.
Now I do the same. This one’s creamy, spicy, and perfect when you need quick dinner ideas on a budget that count as healthy high protein meals too.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Creamy Pepper Jack Comfort, Bite After Bite
- It’s one of my low effort dinner recipes I pull out when the day’s felt three days long.
- My mom worked late, but still cooked. She didn’t buy fancy things.
- But she made magic with what we had and now, so do I.
The Ingredients for Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta

For the Pasta Dish:
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Stuffani’s Go-To:
This is my pantry fallback the one I reach for when my day’s been a mess. It’s not about perfection. It’s about feeding people fast with flavor that feels like effort. It’s also one of my best 30 minute meals for families.
Instructions for Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sausage slices and sear until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Stuffani’s Kitchen Truth:
If it’s not sizzling, don’t rush it. Browning adds depth. My mom used to say that color means flavor.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
In the same skillet, toss in the diced chicken breast, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.

Stuffani’s Note:
This step smells like home. My mom always said garlic and onions meant “the real food” was coming. She was right.
Step 3: Boil the pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Stuffani’s Tip:
Undercook it by a minute the sauce will finish the job. I learned that from this One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta a lifesaver on busy nights.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Return the sausage to the pan. Pour in broth and cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stuffani’s Whisper:
This is the moment the chaos calms. It bubbles, and I breathe.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Stir in Pepper Jack and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and coats the back of a spoon.

Stuffani’s Real-Life Advice:
Don’t rush this melt. Let it happen slow so the cheese doesn’t clump. That velvety finish? Totally worth the extra minute.
Step 6: Combine and serve
Add the pasta and toss everything together until every twist or tube is coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Stuffani’s Final Touch:
Sometimes I top it with breadcrumbs or even chili flakes for kick. It’s not about fancy it’s about feeding the moment.Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta.
Ways to Make It Yours, One Creamy Bite at a Time
- Some nights I follow the recipe like it’s sacred.
- Other nights? It’s me, a skillet, and a prayer that Pepper Jack will fix it all.
Real swaps, from your fridge not the store
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta:
- No chicken breasts? Chicken thighs stay juicy longer honestly, I love them more.
- No heavy cream? A mix of milk and a spoon of cream cheese will still hug the pasta right.
- No Pepper Jack? Use sharp cheddar and a pinch of red pepper flakes for kick.
- Want more heat and heart? My Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Garlic Sauce brings both.
Stuffani’s whisper:
I’ve made this with leftover grilled chicken and stale pasta.
It still fed the room like I planned it all along.
Easy touches that make it feel like you
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta:
- Top with green onions or crispy bacon for crunch.
- Stir in spinach right before serving it wilts and works.
- Swap rotini for shells or elbows anything that holds sauce is your friend.
- Craving more cozy pasta? Cheesy Beef & Italian Sausage Rigatoni is your next go-to.
Stuffani’s advice:
Don’t save this for the weekend.
Family friendly dinner recipes should work when the laundry’s not folded, the sink’s full, and you’re just trying to get through Monday.
Serving and Storing Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- This is the skillet dinner that shows up when comfort is non-negotiable.
- Weeknight burnout. Empty fridge. One hungry family waiting for flavor.
How to serve Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta:
- Serve it straight from the skillet, or dress it up for dinner guests.
- Ladle it over creamy mashed cauliflower for a lighter twist.
- Add crusty bread or Texas toast it was made to soak that sauce.
Stuffani’s Note:
I’ve eaten this curled up on the couch with nothing but a fork and a towel over my knees.
I’ve also served it on my grandmother’s china.
Both felt like home.
How to store Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta:
- Let it cool completely before storing don’t trap the steam.
- Spoon it into airtight containers or wrap tight in foil.
- It stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat low and slow in a skillet for best results.
- Craving more cozy next-day meals? Try my One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta freezer-friendly and foolproof.
Stuffani’s Whisper:
Sometimes I hide a portion in the back of the fridge.
Not because I forgot it…
Because moms deserve their own midnight bowl, too.
For more recipes follow me in pinterest and Facebook
FAQs About Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Swap Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack. It’s mild but still creamy great for family friendly dinner recipes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, shells, or elbows work best in low effort dinner recipes.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Cook, cool, and store. Reheat on low ideal for quick dinner ideas on a budget.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Totally. Freeze in an airtight container, reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
Conclusion Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- This Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta is my weeknight reset.
- One pan. Big flavor. No stress.
- It’s one of those family friendly dinner recipes that feels special without making a mess.
- When you’re tired, this dish shows up.
- Quick dinner ideas on a budget don’t get better than this.

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Skillet
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Description
Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a quick, cheesy, one-skillet dinner packed with bold flavor and ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
12 oz rotini or penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the sausage : Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sausage slices and sear until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken : In the same skillet, toss in the diced chicken breast, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
Step 3: Boil the pasta : While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Build the sauce : Return the sausage to the pan. Pour in broth and cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the cheese : Stir in Pepper Jack and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Combine and serve : Add the pasta and toss everything together until every twist or tube is coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta, Chicken Sausage Pasta, Quick Weeknight Dinner, Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken and Sausage Pasta