If you’re in the mood for a hearty, creamy, and mouthwatering meal that’s quick and easy to make, then One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini are exactly what you need. This dish is a fantastic blend of tender chicken, savory sausage, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce that’s all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious flavors but also in its convenience. You can have a comforting, rich meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce, made with ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream, envelops the rotini pasta and makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Paired with chicken and sausage, this dish offers both protein and plenty of flavors that everyone will love.
Let’s take a deep dive into why One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini is a must-try and how you can prepare it at home!
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini
When it comes to preparing a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying, One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini checks all the boxes. Here are the top reasons why this dish will quickly become your go-to recipe:
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Easy and Quick: No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans. Everything is cooked in one pot, and the entire meal is ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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Packed with Flavor: The combination of chicken, sausage, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory dish that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite is a creamy, cheesy delight!
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Family-Friendly: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you have picky eaters at home or a group of friends over for dinner, everyone will love the comforting flavors of this dish.
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Minimal Cleanup: One-pot recipes are always a win for busy cooks, and this one is no exception. You don’t have to worry about cleaning a bunch of pots and pans—just one pot to wash!
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Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can add extra veggies, switch the sausage for a different protein, or even make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Now, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini
For the Dish:
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16 oz rotini pasta: This pasta is the perfect shape to hold onto all the creamy sauce and seasonings, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. You can also use any other short pasta, like penne or fusilli, if rotini isn’t available.
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1 lb chicken breasts, cubed: Chicken breasts provide lean protein, and when cut into cubes, they cook quickly and evenly. Make sure the chicken is boneless and skinless for the best results.
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1/2 lb sausage, sliced: You can use your favorite sausage, whether it’s pork, chicken, or turkey. If you prefer, you could even use a vegetarian sausage option. The sausage adds richness and depth to the flavor of the dish.
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2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and sausage, adding a healthy fat and ensuring that they cook without sticking to the pan.
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix: The ranch seasoning is the star ingredient that brings all the flavors together. It imparts that classic ranch flavor with herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and dill.
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2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth is essential for making the creamy sauce. It helps create a flavorful base that enhances the dish while keeping it moist.
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1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a luscious, creamy texture and rich flavor. It helps make the sauce smooth and velvety.
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese makes the sauce cheesy and flavorful, adding the perfect finishing touch to the dish. You can also use a combination of cheeses if you like!
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1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the ranch seasoning and enhances the savory taste of the dish.
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1/2 tsp onion powder: Onion powder provides a mild onion flavor, creating a well-rounded taste in the sauce.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
How to Make One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini
Making this dish is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can have a comforting and flavorful meal that your whole family will enjoy. Follow these easy directions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can reserve a little bit of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sausage
In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and sliced sausage to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, and the sausage is browned and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken and sausage are cooked, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the meat, stirring to coat. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked rotini pasta back into the pot with the chicken and sausage. Stir to combine everything. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Give it a final taste check and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini hot, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food!
Tips for Making the Best One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini
Use High-Quality Ingredients
For the best flavor, use high-quality chicken breasts and sausage. Opt for fresh, lean cuts of chicken, and choose your favorite sausage to suit your taste. If you like spice, consider using a spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Make It Extra Cheesy
If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce for an even cheesier texture. You can also top the finished dish with more cheese before serving for a gooey, melty topping.
Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
You can easily add extra vegetables to this dish to increase its nutritional value. Try adding some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Simply sauté them along with the chicken and sausage or stir them into the sauce.
Leftovers
This dish makes great leftovers! You can store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Make It Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure that your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free. Many store-bought ranch seasoning mixes are gluten-free, but it’s always good to check the label.
Nutritional Information for One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini
This dish is a filling and satisfying meal, providing plenty of protein and carbs for energy. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 37g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
While it’s indulgent, this recipe provides a balanced meal that’s sure to keep you full and satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this recipe, you can swap it out for other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sausage mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, make the sauce, and combine everything together.
Can I Use Different Meats?
If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken and sausage with other proteins like ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type of meat you’re using.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes, One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini is perfect for meal prep. Simply divide it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts on One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini
One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy textures, rich flavors, and an easy cleanup process. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to please everyone. The best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Next time you’re looking for a cozy, cheesy, and satisfying meal, this one-pot dish will be your go-to!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Creamy Chicken Smoked Sausage Alfredo Skillet
- Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Bake
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and creamy one-pot dish, One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini combine tender chicken, savory sausage, and gooey cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful ranch sauce. This quick and easy recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 lb sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken and Sausage
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sliced sausage. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and the sausage is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. -
Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and sausage. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. -
Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot. Stir well, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. -
Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, feel free to add some chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits as a garnish.
- You can swap out the sausage for any protein you prefer, like turkey or ham, to customize this recipe.
- If the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: One-Pot Cheddar Ranch Chicken and Sausage Rotini, Chicken and Sausage Pasta, Creamy Ranch Pasta, One-Pot Chicken and Sausage Rotini, Cheddar Ranch Rotini