Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food combo—juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly al dente pasta smothered in a rich, cheesy ranch-infused cream sauce. This One-Pan Creamy Cheddar Sausage Ranch Chicken Pasta brings cozy, soul-warming flavors to your dinner table in just one skillet. It’s the kind of hearty, indulgent dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).

With tender chunks of seasoned chicken, golden-browned sausage slices, and pasta all simmered together in a luscious cheddar ranch cream sauce, this meal delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you just want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy one-pan pasta is the definition of savory satisfaction.

Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Cheddar Sausage Ranch Chicken Pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Step 1: Sear the Meats

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until both sides are browned and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and ranch seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside with the sausage.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, stir well to coat, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 13–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan (if using). Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and velvety. Return the cooked chicken and sausage back to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished pasta for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, straight from the skillet. Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this One-Pan Creamy Cheddar Sausage Ranch Chicken Pasta are just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 60-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)

Calories: 640 kcal
Protein: 36g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 990mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just skip the cooking step for the chicken and stir it in when combining everything in Step 4.

2. What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage or andouille adds a great flavor, but feel free to use kielbasa or even turkey sausage for a leaner option.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely. Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or swap the sausage with a spicy variety.

4. Is there a dairy-free option?

Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream and a vegan cheese alternative. Just keep in mind, the flavor and texture will be a bit different.

5. Can I substitute the pasta type?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even shells all work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

6. What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can make a quick blend using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and a bit of salt and pepper.

7. Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?

Yes, the sauce continues to thicken slightly as it sits. Stir in a splash of milk if reheating to loosen it up.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or broccoli make tasty additions. Toss them in during the pasta cooking step.