One Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta

Okay, so picture this: You’re starving. You want something cheesy, smoky, and fast. That’s when I grab my favorite—this One Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta.

It’s all made in one pot. No giant mess, no fancy stuff. Just real, cozy flavor in every single bite.

The ranch adds that creamy zing, and the smoky sausage? Ugh—so good. The cheddar melts like a dream. I keep going back for “just one more spoon.”

You’ve gotta try this. Seriously. Let’s cook it together—it’s easier than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor, Minimal Effort: Smoky, creamy, cheesy—all layered into one skillet without extra cleanup.
• Weeknight Friendly: Everything cooks in one pot in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Kid-Approved: The ranch and cheese combo wins over even picky eaters.
• Meal Prep Ready: Makes a hearty batch that reheats beautifully for lunches and leftovers.
• Customizable: Swap the protein or pasta to fit your pantry—no stress required.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 6 hungry folks, or 4 with second helpings guaranteed.

Difficulty:

• Beginner-friendly. If you can stir a pot, you can make this.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large, deep sauté pan or Dutch oven with lid
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (for fresh smoked cheddar)

Ingredients for One Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty pasta dish. Use smoked ingredients where noted—it’s key to the depth of flavor.

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa or andouille both work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make One Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta

Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table with just one pot and a whole lot of flavor.

1. Brown the Chicken and Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and smoked sausage slices. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and the sausage is starting to crisp.

Tip: You don’t need the chicken fully cooked at this stage—it’ll finish in the broth.

2. Season Everything

Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so all the meat is coated in that flavorful mix. You should smell the smoky ranch aroma coming together already.

3. Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir in 12 oz of dry penne pasta.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.

Note: If it starts drying out too fast, add 1/4 cup broth at a time to loosen it up.

4. Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded smoked cheddar cheese.
Mix gently until the cheese melts and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
The smoked cheddar gives it a deep, warm flavor that’s super comforting.

Variations for Smoky Cheddar Ranch Pasta

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, toss in pre-cooked chicken during the simmering step.
• Make it Veggie-Friendly: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
• Swap the Cheese: Try gouda, Monterey jack, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.

Serving and Decoration

This pasta doesn’t need much dressing up—it’s bold, rich, and satisfying all on its own. But here’s how I like to plate it:

• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a bit of color and a pop of freshness.
• Side Ideas: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or a slice of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• Serving Tip: Let the pot rest for 5 minutes before scooping—it helps the sauce thicken and cling to every bite of pasta.

How to Store One Pot Pasta

Whether you’re meal-prepping or just saving leftovers, this dish holds up well.

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating on the stove or in the microwave to loosen the sauce.
• Can You Freeze It? It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and reheat gently to avoid separating the cream.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Smoked cheddar is key. Regular cheddar works, but smoked takes it to another level.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Stop simmering when it’s just tender—it keeps the texture spot on.
• Stir often. This prevents sticking and helps everything cook evenly.
• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly because of added anti-caking agents.
• Balance the salt. Ranch seasoning and sausage are both salty—taste before adding extra salt.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~580 kcal
Protein	31g
Carbohydrates	42g
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	3g
Sodium	~1100mg
Cholesterol	95mg

Note: Nutrition is an estimate based on 6 servings. Actual values may vary depending on ingredients and serving size.

One Pot Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or even elbows will work. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap the chicken and sausage for mushrooms, zucchini, or canned white beans.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Use unsweetened non-dairy cream and dairy-free cheese, but the smoky flavor might be milder.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, and it tastes even better the next day. Just add a splash of broth or milk before reheating.

Conclusion

This One Pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta is a go-to in my kitchen for a reason: it’s easy, it’s rich in flavor, and it feeds everyone without a mountain of dishes. Whether it’s a rushed weeknight dinner or your meal prep for the week, it’s a solid win with smoky, cheesy, and creamy goodness in every bite.