When I first threw together this One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta, I honestly didn’t expect it to become such a favorite. But the moment that spicy, creamy sauce hugged every piece of juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and tender pasta, I knew I had something special. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, just a little spicy, and so comforting.

Cooking it all in one pan makes it even better—less mess, more flavor, and a meal that feels like it cooked all day even though it’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or need an impressive dish for casual guests, this pasta delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

One bite and you’ll understand why this pasta wins hearts. It’s the ultimate blend of spicy buffalo sauce, herby ranch seasoning, rich cream, and savory meats. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to soak deeply into the pasta and meat. Plus, since it’s a one-pan recipe, you’ll love the easy cleanup and straightforward steps. It’s satisfying, full of bold flavors, and feels like comfort food without the hassle.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Choosing the right sausage can really shape the flavor of your One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta. Personally, I love using a smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa because they bring a deep, slightly spicy, smoky note that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce. If you want something milder, a simple beef or chicken sausage works great too. For a spicier kick, you can even opt for a spicy Italian sausage. Just make sure whatever sausage you pick is pre-cooked, as it makes the process quicker and easier.

Options for Substitutions

One thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few smart swaps you can make depending on what you have or your personal taste:

Pasta: Penne works great, but feel free to use rotini, rigatoni, or even elbows. Just stick with something short and sturdy to catch all that delicious sauce.
Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer juicier, richer meat.
Sausage: If you don’t have smoked sausage, try a cooked chorizo for extra spice or even a mild turkey sausage.
Buffalo Sauce: If you want less heat, you can mix buffalo sauce with a bit more ranch dressing or use a mild buffalo sauce brand.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, and use a vegan ranch dressing.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free too.
Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese crumbles on top if you love an extra cheesy finish.

Ingredients for One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating that rich, bold, irresistible flavor:

Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, it soaks up the buffalo ranch flavors beautifully.
Smoked Sausage: Adds a deep smoky note and a satisfying, hearty bite to balance the spiciness.
Buffalo Sauce: The soul of the dish, bringing that perfect spicy, tangy kick that makes it unforgettable.
Ranch Seasoning: Infuses the dish with herby, creamy flavors that mellow out the heat and add depth.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and meat.
Penne Pasta: Perfect for holding onto all the creamy sauce in its ridges and hollows.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor without making it heavy.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and sausage, building a flavorful base.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential for layering in those warm, savory notes throughout the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Brings everything into perfect balance and heightens all the flavors.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a pop of freshness and color.

One Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta 1

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Heat a little olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sausage slices in a single layer. Let them sear without stirring too much, so they get a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once browned and nearly cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same pan (don’t clean it—you want all those tasty browned bits!), add the buffalo sauce, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth. Stir it all together, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it come to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stir well so every piece is coated. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and become creamy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once the pasta is cooked, add the chicken and sausage back into the pan. Stir everything together so the meat gets coated in the luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if you like it extra spicy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!

How Long to Cook the One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 35 to 40 minutes.

Searing the chicken and sausage takes around 7–10 minutes.
Simmering the sauce while scraping the pan takes another 2–3 minutes.
Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce typically takes 12–15 minutes, depending on the brand and shape of your pasta.
Final assembly and warming through takes just about 5 minutes.

Keeping everything in one pan not only speeds things up but also infuses the pasta with all the savory, spicy, creamy flavors for an unbeatable taste.

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing: Give the meat enough space so it can brown properly instead of steaming.
Use a nonstick or heavy-bottomed skillet: This helps prevent sticking and burning when cooking pasta directly in the sauce.
Taste as you go: Especially with buffalo sauce, since heat levels vary by brand. Adjust if you prefer it milder or spicier.
Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks: This prevents it from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
Add a splash of broth if needed: If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, just add a bit more broth.
Let it rest a minute before serving: The sauce thickens beautifully and clings even better after a short rest.
Fresh herbs for the win: A sprinkle of parsley or even a little chopped green onion lifts the whole dish.
Cheese, if you please: Stirring in a handful of mozzarella or a few blue cheese crumbles can turn this pasta into a next-level comfort meal.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this is a simple, hearty dish, a few small missteps can change the final result. Here’s what to watch for:

Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast cooks quickly; overdoing it during the sear will leave it dry. Just a good golden color is enough because it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Adding Pasta Too Early: Let the sauce come to a simmer before tossing in the pasta. Otherwise, it won’t cook evenly and could become gummy.
Forgetting to Stir the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, you need to stir it occasionally to avoid clumping or sticking to the bottom.
Using Too Much Buffalo Sauce Without Tasting: Some brands are much spicier than others. Always taste and adjust before adding more!
Not Scraping the Pan: All those brown bits after searing? That’s pure flavor! Scrape them up when adding the liquids.
Letting the Sauce Get Too Thick: If your pasta is almost cooked but the sauce looks dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or even a bit more cream.
Skipping the Resting Time: A few minutes of rest after cooking helps the sauce set and thicken beautifully.
Overloading on Cheese (Optional Tip): If you add cheese, do it carefully—a little enriches the sauce, but too much can make it overly heavy and greasy.

What to Serve With One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta?

Even though this dish can absolutely stand on its own, pairing it with a simple side can really round out the meal. Here are 8 fantastic ideas:

1. Garlic Bread

Nothing soaks up that creamy, spicy sauce better than a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread.

2. Green Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Toss some broccoli, carrots, or zucchini with olive oil and roast them for an easy, healthy side.

4. Celery and Carrot Sticks

Channel those classic buffalo wing vibes and serve crunchy veggies with ranch dip.

5. Coleslaw

A creamy or vinegar-based slaw can add a tangy, crunchy contrast to the pasta’s creaminess.

6. Cornbread

A slightly sweet, buttery cornbread pairs surprisingly well with the spicy buffalo flavors.

7. Baked Potatoes

Simple baked potatoes or small roasted potatoes are great if you want a double-carb, ultra-comfort meal.

8. Blue Cheese Crumbles

Set a small bowl of blue cheese crumbles on the side for those who love that classic buffalo flavor pairing.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), storing this One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is super simple:

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just know that the cream sauce might separate a little after thawing, but a gentle reheat with a splash of broth or cream brings it right back.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through.

Tip: Store in individual portions for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week!

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough breakdown for one hearty serving (assuming the recipe makes about 6 servings):

Calories: 560 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 1350mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Please note that these numbers can vary depending on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use, especially the sausage, buffalo sauce, and pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! You can either use a mild buffalo sauce or cut the buffalo sauce amount in half and add more ranch dressing or cream to balance the heat.

2. What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne is my go-to because it holds the sauce perfectly, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells are great options too. Just avoid very thin pastas like angel hair.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can! If you have leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken, just toss it in during the final step when you’re combining everything, so it doesn’t dry out.

4. Is there a dairy-free version?

Totally. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free ranch dressing. Choose a buffalo sauce that’s dairy-free as well (most are, but double-check).

5. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can! It reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.

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

You can mix up a quick substitute with a blend of dried dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper.

7. How spicy is this dish really?

It has a definite kick but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. That said, the spice level really depends on the brand of buffalo sauce you use. You can always adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

8. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or even small broccoli florets would be great additions. Just toss them in with the pasta while it’s cooking so they soften along with everything else.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a spicy, creamy, flavor-packed dream that’s shockingly simple to whip up. I love how it brings together the bold tang of buffalo sauce, the herby richness of ranch, and the savory smokiness of sausage all in one cozy, comforting pan. Plus, the easy cleanup and quick prep make it a weeknight lifesaver. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual get-together, or meal prepping for busy days, this dish is bound to be a new favorite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation—it’s just that good.