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One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It brings together tender chicken, savory sausage, and comforting pasta in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The creamy cheddar sauce, along with the zesty ranch flavor, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for those who want a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner without multiple pans to wash. It’s a hearty meal that combines protein and carbs, keeping everyone satisfied. Plus, the smoky flavor from the sausage complements the rich cheese and ranch seasoning, making every bite enjoyable.

How to Make One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 lb smoked 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 mix
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
Add the diced chicken and sliced sausage, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and pasta.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

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

Serve this dish hot directly from the pot. It can be placed in individual bowls or served family-style on a large platter. You can also add some chopped parsley or extra cheese on top for garnish if you like.

How to Store One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it has thickened.

Tips to Make One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

For added flavor, you can sauté some bell peppers or spinach along with the onion and garlic.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente.

Variation

You can switch the chicken for turkey or use other pasta types like macaroni or fusilli. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based sausage and adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken or sausage?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or sausage. Just make sure to cook them longer until they are heated through.

2. What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a similar flavor profile.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving, adding a bit of broth to adjust the consistency if needed.