Creamy Pepper Jack Sausage Pasta
This creamy pepper jack sausage pasta is a comforting, skillet-made dish that brings together smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Everything comes together in one pan, making it an easy and satisfying meal for busy days when you want something hearty and flavorful.
The sauce is built with chicken broth and heavy cream, then seasoned simply with garlic powder and onion powder. Pepper jack cheese adds a gentle kick, while Parmesan brings savory depth. Finished with cooked rotini pasta and browned rope sausage, this dish delivers a creamy, cheesy bite with just enough spice in every forkful.
Creamy Pepper Jack Sausage Pasta
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes~550
kcalIngredients
Rope sausage, cooked, sliced, and drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1½ cups pepper jack cheese, grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
12 oz rotini pasta, cooked
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Brown the sausage
Heat a skillet and fry the rope sausage until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain off the excess grease but keep the sausage drippings in the pan for added flavor. - Build the sauce base
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, which will add extra flavor to the sauce. - Season the sauce
Add the garlic powder and onion powder to the skillet. Turn the heat up slightly and stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. - Add the cheeses
Stir in the grated pepper jack cheese and the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring as the mixture heats up and begins to simmer, allowing the cheeses to melt smoothly into the sauce. - Add the pasta
Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. The mixture may look a bit soupy at first, but it will thicken as it heats. - Return the sausage
Add the cooked and sliced rope sausage back into the skillet. Stir well to distribute the sausage throughout the pasta and sauce. - Simmer and thicken
Bring the pasta to a gentle boil and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If a thicker consistency is preferred, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for about 15 minutes. - Final seasoning and garnish
Season the pasta with Italian seasoning, stir once more, and remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Salt is usually not needed in this recipe since the sausage, chicken broth, and cheeses already provide plenty of seasoning.