Why Make This Recipe
BBQ Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that combines flavors you love. With juicy chicken, savory sausage, and a creamy ranch and barbecue sauce mix, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Its easy preparation means you can whip it up on a busy weeknight, filling everyone’s plates with comfort food that tastes amazing. Plus, it only takes one pot to make, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the sliced sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or parsley.
How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
This dish is delicious when served warm right after it’s made. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Adding some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top can enhance the flavors and provide a lovely presentation.
How to Store BBQ Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Tips to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
- Use rotini or penne pasta; they hold onto the sauce well.
- For added flavor, try using different types of sausages such as spicy Italian or chorizo.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce and ranch dressing according to your taste preferences.
- If you like it creamy, add more cheese before serving.
Variation
You can easily make this dish meatless by excluding the sausage and chicken. Instead, add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also swap the ranch dressing for a Italian dressing for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works fine and can add a nice nutty flavor and additional fiber.
What if I don’t have smoked sausage?
You can use any cooked sausage that you prefer, such as turkey sausage or even kielbasa.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. However, the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
BBQ Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
A hearty and delicious pasta dish combining chicken, sausage, and a creamy ranch and barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the sliced sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
- Serve warm with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Use rotini or penne pasta for better sauce adherence. Add more cheese for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
