One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta 🧀🍗🌿
A Comfort Food Classic with a Flavorful Twist
Looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just one pot? This Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta checks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this recipe is bursting with bold ranch flavor and hearty goodness — and cleanup is a breeze!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, zero hassle – Less mess, less stress!
- Bold, comforting flavors – Ranch, cheddar, smoked sausage… say no more!
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for feeding a hungry family or guests.
- Customizable – Add spinach, mushrooms, or swap the sausage for turkey.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Meats and Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sliced sausage, and cook until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened (around 2–3 minutes). Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — about 30 seconds.
3. Simmer with Broth and Milk
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then stir in the ranch seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add in the uncooked penne pasta, stir to coat, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Cheesy Finish
Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional) and serve warm with a smile!
📌 Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
- Go green: Toss in a handful of spinach or peas before serving.
- Swap the cheese: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different melt.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness.
🍽 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 29g
Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total: 40 min
🧡 Final Thoughts
This one-pot wonder is perfect when you’re craving comfort food with layers of flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a guaranteed winner.
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