Creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta loaded with smoky beef sausage, tender chicken, and ranch seasoning — the perfect hearty comfort food for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta is a perfect one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Combining creamy ranch, melted cheddar, and smoky sausage with tender chicken and pasta, this dish is satisfying and comforting. It’s ideal for weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious without a lot of cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in sliced beef sausage and continue cooking until sausage is slightly crispy.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy beef sausage.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during cooking.
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Pasta Swap: Use rotini, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni instead of penne.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage would work great as alternatives.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely, just add it after the sausage is browned to heat through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it fully and reheat gently, adding a bit of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can use a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner; you may need to add a bit more cheese to thicken.
How can I make it even smokier?
Use smoked paprika generously or choose a heavily smoked sausage.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course, for a richer dish, add an extra cup of shredded cheese before serving.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce well.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check the ranch seasoning mix for gluten.
How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
Stir occasionally and check a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends.
Conclusion
Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and filling meal perfect for any busy night. With simple ingredients, one-pot convenience, and rich taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this hearty dish delivers comfort and satisfaction every time.
Print
Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta loaded with smoky beef sausage, juicy tender chicken, bold ranch seasoning — the ultimate hearty comfort food!
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
12 oz beef sausage, sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in sliced beef sausage and cook until sausage is slightly crispy.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Add uncooked pasta. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use smoked beef sausage for extra flavor depth.
- Substitute penne with rotini, shells, or bowtie pasta if preferred.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste for a stronger or milder ranch flavor.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American