There’s something about this one-pot smoky cheddar ranch chicken & sausage pasta that just hits the spot after a busy day with my two little rascals. Picture this: you’ve spent the day carting your kids around to soccer practice and playdates, and now you want a meal that brings comfort to the table without making a mess of your kitchen. Enter this delightful dish! Not only is it rich and creamy, but it also packs layers of flavor that even my picky eaters can’t resist. Plus, cleanup is a breeze — what’s not to love?
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: firstly, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes for me to scrub after dinner. Who has time for a mountain of pots and pans when you can enjoy more playtime with your little ones? Secondly, the combination of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and creamy cheddar creates a taste sensation that feels extravagant yet is so straightforward to whip up. Lastly, it’s totally customizable! You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand — it’s a dinner that embraces your creativity.
Ingredients List
12 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
1 lb boneless chicken breasts (cubed)
8 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup baby spinach
2 cups chicken broth
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup smoky cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Ingredient Swaps
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have chicken breasts, feel free to use ground turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Both options work beautifully in this one-pot smoky cheddar ranch chicken & sausage pasta! I often swap the baby spinach for kale when I have some on hand, and it adds a lovely texture. And while smoky cheddar cheese is my go-to because of its rich flavor, regular cheddar, or even pepper jack can elevate your dish to another level!
One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta or your choice of pasta
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts cubed
- 8 oz smoked sausage sliced
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup smoky cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Add the chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is cooked, stir in cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded smoky cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Make One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This is the time when the lovely aroma fills the kitchen, getting everyone excited for dinner.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until it’s heated through. Those little smoky bites are going to add so much flavor!
Step 3: Broth, Seasoning, & Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and pasta. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the moment where flavors meld, and magic happens.
Step 4: Stir in the Veggies
When the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Colorful veggies totally uplift this dish!
Step 5: Cheesy Goodness
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded smoky cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. That oozy texture is simply irresistible.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Gather your family around the table, serve up generous portions, and watch their faces light up with joy!
Serving & Garnish
I like to serve this one-pot smoky cheddar ranch chicken & sausage pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and a hint of freshness. My kids enjoy it with a side of garlic bread — because, let’s face it, what’s better than buttery bread with cheesy pasta? On cozy nights, we sometimes enjoy this dish while catching up on a family movie, because sharing good food and laughter is what fills our hearts!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta — remember, it’ll continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat, so aim for al dente. Also, don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot. If you’re using a lower-sodium chicken broth, adjust the added salt accordingly to avoid a dish that’s too salty. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese—it’s the heart of this recipe!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if it’s a bit thick, and stir it gently until heated through.
From Samantha’s Kitchen
Every time I make this one-pot smoky cheddar ranch chicken & sausage pasta, I’m reminded of a busy week last summer when Mateo had tons of swim lessons. After a long day at the pool, we made this together, and he loved being my sous chef—helping to stir the pot and taste the sauce. Even now, whenever I whip it up, he stands beside me, eager to help and sample every step along the way!
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While I love using penne pasta for its bite, any sturdy pasta shape will work well. Think rotini, fusilli, or even elbows will do wonders in soaking up that creamy sauce.
Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! A reduced-fat mozzarella or cheddar offers a lighter option while still providing that cheesy goodness.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What side dishes pair well with one-pot cheddar chicken pasta?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even a side of steamed veggies complement the creamy flavors beautifully.
How do I customize my One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta?
Feel free to add any veggies you have on hand! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even some broccoli would also be delicious. Plus, you can easily substitute the protein for what you have in your fridge.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
