One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a hearty, creamy, flavor-packed dinner that brings together smoky sausage, tender chicken, and rich cheddar cheese, all seasoned with ranch and cooked in a single pot for ultimate convenience. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
One-Pot Simplicity: Less cleanup and all the flavor in one dish.
-
Bold & Creamy Flavor: The combination of smoky sausage, cheddar, and ranch is irresistibly delicious.
-
Filling & Family-Friendly: A complete, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd.
-
Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite pasta or add-in veggies.
-
Ready in Under an Hour: Quick to prepare, yet rich in flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 lb chicken breast, diced
-
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
-
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
-
4 cups chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same pot, add sliced sausage and brown for 3–4 minutes.
-
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
-
Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
-
Add pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
-
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
-
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
-
Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
-
Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to taste.
-
Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a new flavor profile.
-
Swap the Pasta: Use shells, elbows, or any short pasta you have on hand.
-
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for quick meals throughout the week.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage adds the perfect flavor. You can use kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well. Add it in Step 5 with the sausage.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild as written. To make it spicy, use hot sausage or add chili flakes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the ranch mix is gluten-free.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Avoid overcooking once cheese is added, and stir gently. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. You may need to reduce it a bit longer.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken and sausage with plant-based protein or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently during simmering to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly.
Conclusion
One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal with bold flavors and creamy texture—all made in one pot for convenience. It’s a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s quick to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe delivers all the richness of a slow-cooked meal in just over 30 minute
Print
One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A creamy, cheesy, and smoky pasta dish made with chicken, sausage, and ranch seasoning—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
-
1 lb chicken breast, diced
-
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
-
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
-
4 cups chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté Proteins: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned. Add sliced sausage and continue cooking until both are golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
-
Simmer Pasta: Add pasta, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-
Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and the cooked chicken and sausage. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
-
Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
-
Use smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
-
Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost.
-
Great for meal prep—reheats well for next-day lunches.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *