Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa work well)
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
Sear the meat:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until lightly browned and almost cooked through (4–5 minutes).
Add sliced smoked sausage and cook another 3–4 minutes until sausage is browned and chicken is cooked through. Remove some grease if necessary.
Add liquids and pasta:
Stir in the ranch seasoning, pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente and liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency. Add a splash more broth or water if needed.
Finish with cheese:
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired
