What type of chicken works best for Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor, while breasts cook faster and offer a leaner option. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the smoky cheddar ranch sauce.

How can I get a smoky flavor without using smoked sausage?

If smoked sausage isn’t available, you can add smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke to the dish to build that smoky taste. Grilling or pan-searing the chicken before adding it to the sauce also helps deepen the flavor. Chipotle powder is another excellent alternative if you want smoky heat in your dish.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating?

To maintain a creamy sauce, cook on low heat and avoid boiling after adding dairy ingredients like cheddar or cream. Stir the sauce gently and add cheese gradually so it melts smoothly. If the sauce looks thin, stirring in a bit of cream cheese or extra shredded cheddar can help thicken it without separating.

Can I prepare Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. It also freezes well in portion-sized containers for quick meals later.

What sides pair well with Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken?

Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken pairs nicely with simple sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. This variety keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.

Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe 2024

Name: Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 lb (454g) chicken breast diced; – 1 lb (454g) smoked beef sausage (andouille or kielbasa style) sliced diagonally; – 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta; – 1 cup (113g) shredded smoked cheddar cheese; – 1 packet (1 oz or 28g) ranch seasoning mix; – 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth; – Salt and pepper to taste; – Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

🍗 Enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal with this Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sausage Pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
🧀 The creamy cheddar and zesty ranch seasoning enhance the tender chicken and smoky sausage for a satisfying one-pot dinner.

Ingredients

– 1 lb (454g) chicken breast diced

– 1 lb (454g) smoked beef sausage (andouille or kielbasa style) sliced diagonally

– 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta

– 1 cup (113g) shredded smoked cheddar cheese

– 1 packet (1 oz or 28g) ranch seasoning mix

– 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1-Getting Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken just right is simple with this guide. Start by dicing 1 lb of chicken breast and slicing 1 lb of smoked beef sausage. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper.

2-Sauté for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. Then, toss in the sausage and cook for 3 more minutes to warm it up. Stir in 12 oz of dry pasta, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix.

3-Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender. Finally, turn off the heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded smoked cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

⏲️ Use fresh chicken and sausage for best flavor and texture.
🧀 Stir cheese in off heat to avoid curdling and maintain creaminess.
🌿 Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor if garnished.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Smoky chicken pasta, Cheddar ranch pasta, One-pot pasta, Chicken sausage pasta