One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup, then One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta is about to become your new best friend. This dish brings together tender chicken, smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning all in one pot—yes, one pot! The flavors meld together perfectly, making it a total crowd-pleaser that’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests. Ready to dive in? Let’s make something truly delicious!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Effortless Cleanup: This is the beauty of a one-pot meal. Not only does it taste amazing, but there’s hardly any cleanup to worry about after the meal. Just one pot and you’re done!

Packed with Flavor: The smoky cheddar, savory ranch seasoning, and the combination of chicken and sausage create an explosion of flavors. It’s rich, creamy, and utterly comforting.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, you can have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Great for busy nights when you still want something satisfying.

Hearty and Filling: Thanks to the protein-packed chicken and sausage and the hearty pasta, this dish is both filling and flavorful. It’s a complete meal all on its own.

Customizable: Want to spice it up? Add some crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or mix in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it your own.

Ingredients in One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta

This dish is made with a few simple ingredients that bring BIG flavor. You might even have most of them in your kitchen already!

Chicken Breast or Thighs

Tender chicken that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. You can use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs—whichever you prefer!

Smoked Sausage

The smoky sausage adds richness and depth to the dish, making each bite even more satisfying.

Pasta

Short pasta like penne or rotini works great for this dish. It soaks up all the creamy, smoky sauce and holds everything together perfectly.

Smoky Cheddar Cheese

The star of the show! Smoky cheddar gives this dish that irresistible cheesy flavor that ties everything together. It melts beautifully into the sauce, making it creamy and dreamy.

Ranch Seasoning

Ranch seasoning gives this dish that zesty, herby kick that pairs so well with the smoky sausage and creamy cheese. It’s the secret to making this meal unforgettable.

Heavy Cream

For that rich, creamy texture. The heavy cream combines with the cheese to make the sauce silky and indulgent.

Chicken Broth

To help cook the pasta and create a flavorful base for the sauce. Chicken broth adds depth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

Olive Oil

For sautéing the chicken and sausage, bringing out all those delicious flavors right from the start.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken and Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sausage, and cook until the chicken is browned on both sides and the sausage is slightly crispy. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

In the same pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The broth will soak into the pasta, adding tons of flavor.

3. Prepare the Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream, ranch seasoning, and smoky cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

4. Combine Everything

Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return both the chicken and sausage to the pot. Stir everything together so the chicken, sausage, and pasta are evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Let it all simmer together for a few minutes to marry the flavors.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is heated through, serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if you like. Then dig in and enjoy the comforting, smoky, creamy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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

This hearty pasta dish is filling on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides that pair perfectly:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
• Simple Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts bring some color and nutrition to the meal.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the dish while it’s cooking.
• Make It a Meal Prep Winner: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms while the pasta is simmering for added flavor and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese for a similar result.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of sausage?
A1: Yes, feel free to use turkey sausage or any other sausage you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it back into the pot.

Q2: Can I use whole milk instead of heavy cream?
A2: Whole milk will work, but the sauce won’t be as rich or creamy. If you want to keep the creamy texture, stick with heavy cream or use half-and-half.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Q4: What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
A4: You can make your own ranch seasoning by combining dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt, or use a store-bought ranch dressing mix as a substitute.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to use any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or elbow macaroni.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q7: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A7: Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sausage in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth, cream, and ranch seasoning, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese and pasta during the last 30 minutes.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Q9: Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
A9: Yes, just dice the chicken into small pieces and cook it along with the sausage at the beginning of the recipe.

Q10: Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A10: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

Conclusion

One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal—quick, easy, and packed with comfort food flavors. It’s rich, cheesy, and smoky, with just the right amount of ranch seasoning to bring it all together. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. This dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time!

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