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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
