Add 1 tsp of olive oil and diced onion to large pot and sauté over medium heat.
While onions sauté, slice the sausage into small pieces. Add to pot. Add the garlic powder, and keep cooking over medium heat until the sausage is slightly browned.
When sausage is slightly browned, add chicken broth, Rotel, milk, salt and pepper. Turn up heat to medium-high and bring to low boil.
When mixture starts boiling, add the macaroni and return to medium-low boil. (not a rolling boil). Stirring occasionally, boil for 12-14 minutes, until the macaroni is tender.
When macaroni is tender, turn the heat down to low. Add the shredded pepper jack and stir until melted. Enjoy!