Creamy Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Pasta
A quick 20-minute creamy pasta dish with a spicy kick. Perfect for leftover shells and jalapeño cheddar chicken sausage.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2-3 jalapeño cheddar chicken sausages sliced
- 2 cups cooked shell noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded quesadilla cheese or cheddar/Monterey Jack
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese optional, extra creamy
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until edges are golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheese + cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked shells and sausage back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.
- Serve warm topped with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Add frozen peas, spinach, or corn for a veggie boost.
Thin the sauce with a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.
For extra spice, add diced pickled jalapeños.
Vegetarian Version
Use a plant-based jalapeño cheddar sausage (Field Roast, Beyond, etc.).
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
All dairy options listed are vegetarian-friendly — just choose your favorites.
Vegan Version
Use vegan jalapeño sausage and vegetable broth.
Replace milk/cream with unsweetened oat or coconut milk (richer texture).
Replace shredded cheese with vegan cheddar and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese (Kite Hill, Daiya, etc.).
Adjust seasoning — vegan cheeses can be saltier, so taste before adding salt.
Extra Flavor Tips
Add a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy boost.
For a spicy kick, mix in pickled jalapeños or chipotle paste.
Stir in veggies like spinach, peas, or corn for more bulk and color.
Dairy-Free Option
- Use dairy-free milk (oat or coconut recommended).
- Use dairy-free shredded cheese + dairy-free cream cheese.
- Taste before salting — alt cheeses can be a bit saltier.
- Use certified gluten-free pasta.
- Ensure sausage is labeled gluten-free — some brands add wheat as a filler.
- Check broth labels for hidden gluten.