Craving a restaurant-quality dinner without the fuss? This creamy one-pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Pasta combines tender chicken, savory beef sausage, and a crave-worthy cheese sauce for the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Ready in minutes but packed with flavors that taste like they took hours, this versatile dish is perfect for busy families or impressive enough for weekend guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta isn’t just delicious, it’s practical! Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:

Double protein powerhouse: Chicken and beef sausage create a satisfying, filling meal
One-pot wonder : Everything cooks together, building flavor while minimizing cleanup
Ready in 30 minutes : Perfect for busy weeknights but tastes like you spent hours cooking
Crowd-pleasing flavor : The smoky cheddar ranch sauce appeals to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts
Meal-prep friendly : Reheats beautifully for lunches or make-ahead family dinners

This recipe saved me during my busiest weeks, and I’m confident it’ll do the same for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta, I’ve focused on ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, protein-packed dish to life:

Protein Components

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 10 ounces beef smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the proteins)

Pasta Base

• 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)

• 4 cups chicken broth (better than water for flavor-infused pasta)

• 1 tablespoon butter

Flavor Builders

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 tablespons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat lovers)

Creamy Sauce Elements

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, freshly grated

• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup reserved pasta cooking liquid

Fresh Finishers

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra grated smoked cheddar for serving

Pro tip: Pre-shred your own cheese rather than using the pre-packaged kind, it melts much better and creates that luxuriously smooth texture we’re after in this dish!

How To Make Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta

Creating this hearty one-pot meal is simpler than you might think! I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly creamy and packed with smoky, cheesy flavor.

Step 1: Prep Your Proteins

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the ranch seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and nearly cooked through (about 5-6 minutes).
Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes more, allowing it to release some of its smoky flavors.
Transfer the meat mixture to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same pot (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Toss in the minced garlic and red bell peper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, remaining ranch seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices and prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the butter to the pot and let it melt into the vegetable mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boill.
Add the pasta, stirring well to prevent sticking.
Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
Important: Reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid before the pasta completely absorbs it.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low.
Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese melts completely.
Gradually add the grated smoked cheddar, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken and sausage mixture (along with any accumulated juices) to the pot.
Gently fold everything together until well combined and heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
Top with additional grated smoked cheddar if desired.
Serve immediately for the ultimate creamy, cheese-pull experience!

Clara’s Tip: For an extra touch of smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce, or include a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes when building your flavor base!

Creamy Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

Servings and Timing

Planning your meal around this Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta? Here’s everything you need to know about portions, prep time, and serving suggestions to make your dinner a success!

Yield and Portions

This hearty one-pot pasta recipe yields:

Servings: 6 generous portions
Perfect for: Family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining
Portion size: Approximately 1½ cups per serving

Timing Breakdown

Prep time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients)
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes from start to finish

Meal Planning Tips

Want to make your dinner preparation even smoother? Here’s how to work this protein-rich pasta into your schedule:

Make ahead: Chop all vegetables and slice the sausage up to 24 hours in advance
Quick version: Use pre-cut chicken and pre-chopped vegetables to shave 10 minutes off prep time
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal:

Simple side salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast
Garlic bread: Perfect for sopping up that delicious smoky cheddar sauce
Roasted vegetables: Asparagus or broccoli roasted with a touch of olive oil complements the richness

Storage and Reheating

This Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta isn’t just delicious fresh—it’s also perfect for leftovers! Here’s how to properly store and reheat this creamy pasta dish while maintaining its flavors and textures:

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
Meal prep containers: Divide into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches

Pro tip: If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta initially, as it will soften further when reheated.

Reheating Methods

Stovetop (best method):
- Add leftovers to a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through
- The added liquid helps revive the creamy sauce
Microwave (quickest method):
- Place portion in a microwave-safe bowl
- Add a splash of milk or cream and cover loosely
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
- Stop when just heated through to prevent overcooking
Oven (best for larger portions):
- Place in an oven-safe dish and add 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- Cover with foil and heat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes
- Remove foil and stir before serving

Freshening tip: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese and chopped herbs after reheating to restore that just-made flavor!

Variations

Want to customize this versatile pasta dish? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own while keeping that signature smoky cheddar ranch flavor profile:

Protein Swaps

Italian sausage: Substitute for beef sausage for a more herbaceous profile
Shrimp: Replace chicken with peeled shrimp (add in the last 5 minutes of cooking)
Plant-based option: Use plant-based chicken pieces and vegan sausage with dairy-free cheese
Turkey kielbasa: A lighter alternative to beef sausage with similar smokiness

Veggie Variations

Mediterranean mix: Add artichoke hearts, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes
Garden harvest: Incorporate zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes
Spicy kick: Include jalapeños or poblano peppers for heat
Mushroom lover’s: Add 8oz sliced mushrooms for earthy depth

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (reduce cooking time by 2 minutes)
Lower calorie: Substitute half & half for heavy cream and reduce cheese by 25%
Extra protein: Add a can of drained white beans for additional protein and fiber
Lighter version: Use milk instead of cream and light cream cheese

Creative twist: For a deconstructed stuffed pepper feel, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice and use bell peppers of various colors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply shred about 2-3 cups and add it when returning the sausage to the pot. This cuts down cooking time by about 8 minutes.

Is smoked cheddar necessary, or can I use regular cheddar?

While smoked cheddar adds that distinctive flavor, regular sharp cheddar works too. To compensate, increase the smoked paprika by ½ teaspoon or add ¼ teaspoon of liquid smoke to achieve that smoky dimension.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, make your own by combining 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and dried dill with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! Prepare the entire dish up to a day ahead, but slightly undercook the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, and it will taste freshly made.

My sauce broke and looks grainy. Can I fix it?

This usually happens when cheese is added to too hot a liquid or heated too quickly. To fix it, remove from heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese, and whisk vigorously until smooth.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Shapes that capture sauce in their nooks work best: penne, rotini, cavatappi, or bow ties. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t hold the chunky components as well.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and your favorite plant-based cheddar-style cheese. The results won’t be identical but will still be delicious!

Conclusion

This Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with weeknight convenience. The creamy, smoky sauce brings together two proteins in one satisfying dish that’s as perfect for busy evenings as it is for casual entertaining. Versatile enough to customize yet consistently delicious, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. I hope it becomes a trusted favorite in your meal rotation, bringing both ease and enjoyment to your dinner table.

Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta

Clara W.Pawel

Discover how to make Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta step by step for an easy weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Fusion

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breasts cubed
12 oz beef smoked sausage sliced
12 oz penne pasta
3 tbsp olive oil divided
1 medium onion diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 red bell pepper diced
2 tbsp ranch seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz smoked cheddar grated
¼ cup cream cheese
Green onions and parsley for garnish

Instructions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp ranch seasoning. Brown in 1 tbsp oil (5-6 min). Add sliced sausage, cook 2-3 min more. Remove to plate.
In same pot, sauté onions in remaining oil (3 min). Add garlic and bell pepper (2 min). Stir in spices and remaining ranch seasoning.
Add butter, then pour in broth and bring to boil. Add pasta, cook until al dente (10-12 min). Reserve ½ cup cooking liquid.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and cream cheese until melted. Gradually add smoked cheddar until smooth.
Return chicken and sausage to pot. Combine and heat through. Add reserved cooking liquid if needed for consistency.
Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 685 per serving
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 986mg
Cholesterol: 148mg

Keyword Chicken Sausage Pasta, creamy pasta, Ranch Pasta, Smoky Cheddar

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