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
- 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
- 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.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the smoked sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- 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.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- 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.
- Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes