One Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken And Sausage Rotini

Craving creamy, cheesy pasta with big flavor? This one pot cheddar ranch chicken and sausage rotini has it all!

You get juicy chicken, smoky sausage, tender rotini, and a creamy cheddar ranch sauce. Every bite is bold, cheesy, and full of yum.

Perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who loves easy comfort food. One pot. Big flavor. So simple.

Grab your ingredients and a big pan—let’s cook up some cheesy ranch pasta magic today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the same pan—from meat to pasta to sauce—so cleanup is simple.
• Balanced Comfort: The rich cheese and sausage are balanced by the zesty ranch and lean chicken.
• Family Friendly: It’s hearty, flavorful, and kid-approved.
• Make-Ahead Option: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for next-day lunches.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: Makes about 6 servings

Difficulty: Easy — no fancy techniques, just good ingredients and one pot.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep sauté pan or Dutch oven with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this creamy, savory pasta dish together (exact measurements in recipe card below):

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 12 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter, optional, for sautéing
• Chopped parsley or green onion, optional, for garnish

Variations for One Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini

• Swap Pasta Shapes: Use penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni.
• Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, peas, or broccoli in the last 5 minutes.
• Make It Spicier: Use spicy smoked sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Creamier Version: Stir in 2 oz of cream cheese with the cheddar.

How to Make One Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Sauté the Meats

In a large deep pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced smoked sausage and cubed chicken breast.
Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through. The sausage should have a bit of color too.

2. Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the uncooked rotini pasta and stir everything together to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.

3. Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Let the pasta cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the lid.

4. Stir in Cheese

Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, mixing well until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if needed.

Serving and Decoration

This dish is best served warm, straight from the pot.
For added freshness and a pop of color, garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions.

Suggested Serving Ideas:

• Pair with a simple side salad for balance
• Serve with toasted garlic bread for a comforting combo
• Add a light squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness (optional but brightens the dish)

Storing One Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen. Just note that the texture of the pasta may soften more after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Brown the sausage well: That bit of caramelization adds extra flavor to the base.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and may not melt as smoothly.
• Watch the liquid: Keep the pot covered while simmering the pasta to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
• Stir occasionally: This keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
• Taste before seasoning: Since the ranch mix and sausage are salty, you might not need extra salt.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~580 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	950mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Calcium	200mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities.

FAQs for One Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken And Sausage Rotini

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or shells all work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can! Add it after the sausage is browned and warm it through before continuing with the rest of the steps.

Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. If you’d like a kick, try using spicy smoked sausage or add red pepper flakes.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I make this without sausage?
Yes, just increase the amount of chicken to about 1.5 lbs or add a plant-based sausage alternative for a different take.

Conclusion

This One Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken And Sausage Rotini is the kind of meal that works on a busy Tuesday night but tastes like you planned it for Sunday. Every bite is loaded with smoky sausage, tender chicken, and creamy cheddar, all wrapped in the savory comfort of ranch flavor. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and always a hit with family or guests.