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Creamy Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Ready to turn an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable? This Creamy Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Smoked Sausage Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food dream. Tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta are wrapped in a rich, creamy ranch-seasoned cheese sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to satisfy your heartiest cravings. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes for family meals, comfort food, or one-skillet wonders, this dish checks all the boxes. Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and savory — this pasta skillet will become your go-to for those nights when you want something irresistibly good without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for easy dinners, hearty lunch ideas, and even make-ahead meals!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced
  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, drain, and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the smoked sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Cook the diced chicken breasts, seasoning lightly with black pepper, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  6. Stir in the ranch seasoning and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes