Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make in one pan, featuring smoked sausage, ranch seasoning, and white cheddar.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa (Sliced into coins)
- 8 oz short pasta (Penne, rotini, or shells work best)
- 2 cups chicken broth (For flavor)
- 1 cup milk or half and half (For creaminess)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (Or use your own blend)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (Shredding yourself is preferred)
- 1 small onion, chopped (For flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Adds aroma)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (For browning)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup spinach (Can be added at the end)
- 1 cup peas (Add during the last few minutes of cooking)
- 1 small diced bell pepper (Cook with onion)
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the sausage into coins.
- Heat a large skillet with oil or butter and brown the sausage for a few minutes until golden.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
Cooking
- Add the dry pasta directly into the pan.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk or half and half. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and stir.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once pasta is tender and liquid is mostly reduced, reduce heat and mix in shredded white cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding pinches of salt if necessary.
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheese to avoid graininess, keep the simmer gentle, and mix often to prevent sticking. Letting the pasta sit for 2 minutes after cooking will allow the sauce to thicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American