Creamy, smoky, cheesy, and packed with ranch flavor, this easy one-pot dinner is a family favorite! Ready in under an hour and perfect for busy weeknights.

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

• 1 lb smoked sausage (beef or chicken), sliced into rounds

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

  Any short pasta will work—rotini, penne, rigatoni, or shells.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

  Store-bought or homemade.

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  Sharp cheddar for bold flavor; use freshly shredded for better melt.

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Meats:

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Add diced chicken. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet).

• Add the sliced sausage and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.

• Remove both meats to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Liquids & Pasta:

• Pour in chicken broth, cream, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine.

• Add uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a low boil.

• Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

4. Stir in Cheese & Meats:

• Once pasta is cooked, return the chicken and sausage to the pot.

• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

• Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or ranch mix to taste.

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🍽️ To Serve:

• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.

• Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed broccoli.

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🔁 Variations:

• Add spinach, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms for a veggie boost.

• Use spicy sausage and add red pepper flakes for a kick.

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Colby-Jack for a different cheese twist.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.