A Spicy, Creamy, and Effortless One-Pan Meal
This One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese with tender chicken, hearty sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta. Everything cooks in one pan, making this an easy and convenient recipe for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity – Fewer dishes and less cleanup.
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch creates a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
- Protein-Rich Meal – Chicken and sausage make it hearty and satisfying.
- Easy Oven Cooking – No need to stand over the stove.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet – A cast-iron or deep stainless steel skillet is ideal.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
- Sharp knife – For cutting chicken into even-sized pieces.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – For stirring before and after baking.
Preparation Tips
- Use a high-sided skillet to prevent overflowing while baking.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Slice sausage evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of meat and sauce.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- Shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded for better melting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine Ingredients in the Skillet
- In a large oven-safe skillet, add the sliced sausage, chicken pieces, pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bake Until Cooked Through
- Place the skillet uncovered in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Add Cheese and Melt
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then return the skillet to the oven for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This buffalo ranch chicken and sausage pasta is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. To balance the bold flavors, consider serving it with:
- Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini for added texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
To achieve the best results, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not stirring before baking – Ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed prevents dry or undercooked spots.
- Overcooking the pasta – Check at the 20-minute mark to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Using raw sausage without pre-cooking – If using uncooked sausage, brown it first to develop more flavor.
- Not adjusting the spice level – Reduce the buffalo sauce for a milder dish, or add more for extra heat.
Best Side Dish Pairings
- Garlic bread – A crispy, buttery side that complements the creamy sauce
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds a slightly bitter contrast to the richness
- Celery sticks with ranch – A simple, refreshing side that matches the buffalo wing flavor
- Coleslaw – A cool, crunchy addition to balance the heat
- Cornbread – A slightly sweet complement to the spicy sauce
- Baked sweet potatoes – A hearty, naturally sweet side
- Steamed broccoli – A light, nutritious pairing
- Macaroni salad – A creamy, cooling side that enhances the dish’s flavors
Storage, Tips & FAQs for One-Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken & Sausage Pasta
8. Expert Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy result. Thighs are naturally more flavorful and won’t dry out as easily.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo wing sauce depending on your heat preference.
- For a creamier dish, consider adding some Parmesan or Monterey Jack cheese in addition to the cheddar.
- If you want to add extra flavor, try a different sausage like smoked sausage, chorizo, or kielbasa.
9. How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well! Store in portions in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or ranch dressing to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish less spicy? Yes! To make it milder, simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or opt for a mild version of the sauce. You can also skip the hot sauce entirely if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
- What type of sausage works best? Italian sausage is the perfect choice for this recipe, but you can also use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even chorizo for a more robust flavor.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can substitute the pasta in the recipe with any shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. The sauce will coat the pasta just as wonderfully.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Unfortunately, this dish is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can easily swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes! To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free ranch dressing and substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You could also try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute for the creamy texture.