This One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed dinner that disappears fast. Tender pasta cooks right in a creamy, smoky cheddar ranch sauce with juicy chicken and savory beef sausage. It’s rich, cheesy, and unbelievably comforting. Save this recipe for busy weeknights—and tag a friend who loves a one-pot dinner!
Yield: 6 large servings
Ingredients:
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 oz smoked beef sausage, sliced (340 g)
• 3 cups chicken broth (720 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz / 28 g)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (50 g)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to make it:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and nearly cooked through, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the sliced smoked beef sausage and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized. This step adds that smoky flavor that makes this pasta so good.
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the pasta directly into the pot. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a little brightness.
Serve this One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta hot with extra cheddar on top for an ultra-cheesy finish.