Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot dishes are a dream come true, especially when they deliver on both flavor and convenience. This Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with smoky goodness from the sausage. The ranch seasoning ties everything together, creating a mouthwatering comfort food experience. Plus, the fact that it all cooks in one pot makes it an ideal weeknight meal—minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 lb smoked beef 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 or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Begin by dicing the chicken breast and slicing the smoked beef sausage into rounds. Set them aside.
  2. Cook the chicken and sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and smoked beef sausage to the pot, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, and the sausage is lightly browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Add the pasta: Once the chicken and sausage are cooked, add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.
  4. Simmer and cook: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook in the broth for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.
  5. Add the cream and seasoning: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thickened.
  6. Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the dish hot, with extra cheddar cheese or ranch dressing on the side if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken and sausage for your favorite plant-based protein (such as tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based sausage) for a vegetarian twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to give the dish a spicy edge.
  • Add Vegetables: Toss in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for a boost of color and nutrition.
  • Cheese Swap: If you don’t have cheddar, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Italian sausage or chicken sausage would be great alternatives, depending on your flavor preferences.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini work well for this dish, but you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze the pasta, the cream-based sauce may change in texture after freezing and reheating. If you want to freeze it, consider making a version without the cream and adding it fresh when reheating.

5. Can I use skim milk instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute skim milk for heavy cream, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. If you want to maintain a similar texture, consider adding a little flour to thicken the sauce.

6. Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Yes! If you prefer homemade ranch seasoning, simply mix 2 tbsp of your homemade blend with the other ingredients as the recipe directs.

7. Can I add more cheese to the recipe?

Of course! You can add extra cheese for a cheesier flavor. Try adding some grated Parmesan along with the cheddar for an extra burst of flavor.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even a bit of hot sauce to make the dish spicier.

9. Can I use frozen chicken or sausage?

Yes, frozen chicken and sausage can be used. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and adjust cooking time as necessary.

10. Can I make this dish without ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can substitute it with a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavors.

Conclusion

One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that packs a punch. It’s a satisfying meal for the whole family, with creamy, cheesy goodness and just the right amount of smoky flavor from the sausage. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta

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One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta combines tender chicken, savory smoked beef sausage, and creamy cheddar cheese in a rich, smoky sauce. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy twist, making it the perfect comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6
  • Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 lb smoked beef 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 or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the chicken breast and slice the smoked beef sausage. Set them aside.

  2. Cook the chicken and sausage: Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sliced smoked sausage, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, and the sausage is lightly browned.

  3. Add the pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the pot, then pour in chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Simmer and cook: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

  5. Add the cream and seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and thickens the sauce.

  6. Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

  7. Serve and enjoy: Serve hot with extra cheddar cheese or ranch dressing on the side.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing: If you plan to freeze, avoid adding the cream. Freeze the pasta mixture and add the cream and cheese when reheating.

Variations:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken and sausage with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor.

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