If you are looking for a comforting meal that comes together quickly yet bursts with incredible flavor, this One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe will become your new go-to dinner. Imagine tender chicken and smoky sausage simmered right alongside pasta, all coated in a luscious cheddar and ranch-spiced sauce redolent of smoky paprika and rich cream. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and makes weeknight dinners feel like a celebration without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but absolutely essential to achieve that perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory notes. Each one plays an important part in bringing both texture and depth to this satisfying pasta dish.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Smoked sausage (1/2 lb): Adds a rich, smoky flavor signature to this pasta.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For browning the meat and building flavor from the start.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): Brings the classic tangy ranch taste that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- Smoked cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): The star that melts into a creamy, smoky sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances the smoky depth while adding a warm, inviting color.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Imparts subtle but essential savory undertones.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates flavor complexity without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) and salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The perfect liquid base to cook the pasta and infuse everything with savory goodness.
- Penne pasta (12 oz): Or your favorite noodle shape; holds sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luxuriously smooth, velvety sauce to coat every bite.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Cook these until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Browning the meat well is crucial because it adds layers of flavor that will infuse the entire dish. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Toast the Seasonings
In the same pot, toss in the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices over medium heat for a minute or two. This toasting step is what wakes up the flavors and creates a fragrant, rich base for your sauce. It’s a simple but key step that makes the One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe stand out from ordinary pasta dishes.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the penne pasta directly into the pot, stirring to prevent it from sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooking the pasta in broth instead of plain water ensures every bite is infused with savory flavor right from the start, eliminating the need to drain or rinse.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Melt the Cheese
Once your pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth, it’s time to bring back your cooked chicken and sausage into the pot. Add in the shredded smoked cheddar cheese along with the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy, smooth sauce that envelops every piece of pasta and meat. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into something indulgently comforting.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the rich, smoky flavors. Serve straight from the pot for a rustic, hearty meal everyone will love.
How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, adding vibrant green hues and a subtle herbal brightness. Feel free to sprinkle extra smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and smoky aroma. If you love heat, some red pepper flakes work wonderfully too, giving this dish a slight kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, like mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans also make for a colorful and healthy contrast. For a cozy touch, warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect to scoop up every bit of that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and parsley, then broil for a couple of minutes for a bubbly golden crust. You can also transfer portions into mini cast-iron skillets for a charming rustic presentation. Adding a lemon wedge on the side provides an optional burst of acidity that brightens every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day, making your leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to two months. Because this dish contains cream and cheese, it’s best to consume the frozen leftovers within this timeframe to maintain the best texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and avoid curdling the cheese sauce. Your creamy, smoky comfort meal will be just as satisfying the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap in rotini, shells, or even macaroni depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked cheddar cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut cream. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can chop the chicken and sausage and keep them ready ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh for optimal flavor and texture. Leftovers are great for next-day meals though.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or some red chili flakes when toasting the seasonings. You can always serve with hot sauce on the side for guests to customize heat levels.
What other proteins work well besides chicken and smoked sausage?
Sliced smoked turkey sausage or even crispy bacon pieces would be excellent substitutes. You could also swap in smoked tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe is a beautiful celebration of smoky, cheesy, and creamy flavors all mingling effortlessly in one pot. It’s quick on time but rich in comfort, perfect for busy nights when you want to impress yourself and your loved ones with minimal cleanup. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation—you won’t regret digging into every ridiculously delicious spoonful.
Print
One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a deliciously creamy and smoky dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful smoked sausage, and smoky cheddar cheese with a zesty ranch seasoning. Cooked all in one pot, this comforting pasta meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Dairy
- 2 cups smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meats: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sausage slices, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Spices: In the same pot, add the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the bottom of the pot in the spices and release their aroma.
- Simmer Broth and Cook Pasta: Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the penne pasta and stir to combine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until tender.
- Combine Ingredients and Finish Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and sausage. Add the shredded smoked cheddar cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, smoky pasta!
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for an enhanced smoky flavor. You may substitute with regular sausage if preferred.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or let the sauce simmer a bit longer before adding cream and cheese.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast; alternatively, you can use chopped chives or basil.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to avoid sticking to the pot.
