🍝 One-Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta 🔥🧀
A deliciously creamy, smoky, and cheesy one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and pasta, all cooked together in a single pot. Infused with the rich flavors of smoky cheddar and ranch seasoning, this meal is a breeze to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. One pot, endless flavor! 🌟🍴
🛒 Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced)
12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Directions:
Cook the chicken and sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sliced sausage, cooking until the chicken is browned and the sausage is heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the pasta and liquids:
Stir in the uncooked pasta, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine.
Cook the pasta:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add the cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked and creamy, add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is smooth and well combined.
Serve:
Once the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy:
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and smoky pasta!
⏱ Time: 10 min prep | 20 min cook
🍽 Serves: 4-6
📌 Tip: For extra creaminess, you can add a little more heavy cream or milk. Feel free to swap in different sausages, like andouille or chorizo, for a bit of heat.