1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be incorporated into the creamy sauce.

2. 2. Cook the Chicken and Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sliced smoked sausage, cooking them until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and sausage from the skillet and set them aside.

3. 3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant.

4. 4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. 5. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

6. 6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken, sausage, and penne pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.