If you’re searching for a dinner that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and minimal cleanup, look no further than One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta. This mouthwatering dish brings together tender chicken, smoky sausage, tangy ranch seasoning, and a duo of cheeses, all cooked harmoniously in a single pot. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and exciting—a weeknight hero that never fails to impress with its irresistible mix of flavors and simple prep.

One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Every component is chosen for maximum flavor impact, texture, or color, ensuring you get a hearty and crowd-pleasing meal with very little fuss.

Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the chicken and sausage, helping everything brown beautifully.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these soak up all the savory seasonings while staying juicy.
Smoked sausage: Sliced and browned, it adds a deep, smoky richness that’s the backbone of the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole pot with aromatic warmth.
Smoked paprika: Amplifies the smoky notes and adds a gorgeous color.
Ranch seasoning mix: The secret weapon for tangy, herby flavor in every bite.
Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making every forkful extra satisfying.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Cooks the pasta right in the pot, infusing it with savory goodness.
Heavy cream: Delivers luscious creaminess and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for that crave-worthy cheesy pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that balances the richness.
Chopped parsley or green onions: A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten up the finished dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and letting all the flavors shine.

How to Make One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides but not yet cooked through. Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sausage to get a bit of color and release its savory oils.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ranch seasoning mix. Let these aromatics bloom for about a minute, stirring constantly so nothing sticks or burns. This step is key to building those crave-worthy flavors that make One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta so irresistible.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

Pour in the dry pasta and chicken broth, stirring well to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring everything up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This magic one-pot method infuses every bite with flavor and saves you from a mountain of dishes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Once the pasta is cooked and the mixture looks thick and saucy, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce has become velvety and rich. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken up slightly. Taste and adjust with a little extra salt and pepper if needed—this is your moment to make it perfect.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta by scattering freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also brings a fresh, herbal contrast to the creamy, smoky pasta. Serve it straight from the pot and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle your pasta with a generous handful of chopped parsley or green onions right before serving. The herbal brightness is the perfect foil to the creamy, cheesy sauce, and it makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This hearty main dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Want to go all out? Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. The combination turns dinner into a true feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning the One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta into individual ramekins and topping with a little extra cheese, then broiling for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, serve it family-style in your prettiest Dutch oven for a rustic, homey vibe that invites everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy as ever. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheddar or parsley can revive the flavors in a flash.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great for holding sauce, but any short pasta shape will work well in One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require a minute or two more or less.

What if I don’t have smoked sausage?

You can substitute with any cooked sausage you like—spicy, sweet, or even turkey sausage. If you want to keep the smoky flavor, add a pinch more smoked paprika to the pot.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Stir in spinach, chopped broccoli, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color. The pasta’s creamy sauce is a great backdrop for all sorts of veggies.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

For a lighter version of One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese just a bit. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and creaminess, but with fewer calories.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free. Follow the same steps and enjoy a gluten-free comfort meal that everyone can dig into.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta enough—it’s pure comfort in a bowl, with flavors that make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something hearty and full of character, this dish is a surefire hit. Give it a try, and get ready for it to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a deliciously creamy and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese with zesty ranch seasoning. Perfectly cooked pasta simmers in a savory broth until tender, then is enriched with cheese and cream for a comforting and easy-to-make meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables & Herbs

2 cloves garlic, minced
Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

Seasonings & Spices

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Dairy

12 oz penne or rotini pasta
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through.
Add Sausage and Seasonings: Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ranch seasoning mix to combine fully with the meat and release their flavors.
Cook Pasta: Add the dry pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Create Cheese Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Thicken Sauce and Season: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.

Notes

This dish is rich and flavorful while keeping cleanup minimal by using one pot.
Add spinach or chopped broccoli near the end of cooking for a serving of extra vegetables.
Use spicy smoked sausage to add a little kick if desired.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a nice texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American