A creamy, smoky pasta dish combining tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and sharp cheddar in a zesty ranch sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, delivering comfort and ease in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hearty pasta dish ticks all the boxes. It’s rich and creamy but also packed with bold smoky flavors from the sausage and a tangy ranch seasoning kick. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, busy professionals, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough for foodies.
Ingredients and Notes
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein. You can also swap with chicken thighs if you want a bit more juiciness. -
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Smoked sausage adds a delicious smoky depth. Choose your favorite kind—kielbasa, Andouille, or smoked Italian sausage all work well. -
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
These pasta shapes hold sauce beautifully and mix easily with the other ingredients. Use gluten-free if needed. -
4 cups chicken broth
Homemade or store-bought, chicken broth infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks. -
1 cup heavy cream
Adds richness and creates a creamy texture for the sauce. -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp or mild cheddar melts smoothly, making the dish wonderfully cheesy. -
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
This adds the signature tangy ranch flavor. You can make your own ranch seasoning blend if preferred. -
1 small onion, diced
Adds sweetness and aroma. -
2 cloves garlic, minced
For that essential savory base note. -
2 tbsp olive oil
For sautéing the meat and veggies. -
Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Adds a fresh herbal note and color.
Step-by-Step Directions with Tips
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Before starting, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, slice the smoked sausage, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. This helps the cooking process go smoothly without delays.
2. Heat the Olive Oil and Brown the Meat
Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm up for about 30 seconds. Add the diced chicken and sliced sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the meat first locks in flavor and gives a nice texture contrast.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or stir too often—let the chicken brown well.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken and sausage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Tip: Use fresh garlic and onions for the best flavor, but powdered versions can work in a pinch.
4. Add Liquids, Seasoning, and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, and stir well to combine. Add the dry pasta directly into the pot, submerging it in the liquid.
Tip: Stir immediately after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Tip: Keep an eye on the pasta texture—cook to al dente or until your preferred tenderness.
6. Add Cheese and Finish the Sauce
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
7. Season and Garnish
Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
8. Serve Warm
This dish is best enjoyed right away while creamy and hot.
Prep and Cooking Times
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
This quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy evenings or when you want a comforting meal without waiting.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 620 calories per serving (serves 4–6). This dish is rich in protein and calcium thanks to the chicken and cheddar cheese, but still balanced with carbs from the pasta and healthy fats from the olive oil and cream.
Tips and Variations
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Swap Sausage: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Vegetarian? Try plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a smoky, meaty texture.
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Add Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the sauté step.
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Spice it Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for heat.
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Cheese Alternatives: Pepper jack or mozzarella cheese can change the flavor profile.
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Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese.
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Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal experience. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
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Pair with roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta brings together simple ingredients with bold flavors and minimal cleanup. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s quick to make and full of smoky, savory goodness.
Try it this weeknight and enjoy the compliments!