One-Pan White Cheddar Ranch Sausage Magic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan White Cheddar Ranch Sausage Magic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines creamy cheese, savory sausage, and fresh veggies all in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and brown them until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in ranch seasoning mix and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Add rotini pasta and ensure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Fold in baby spinach and roasted red peppers. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
7. Step 7: Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage with your preferred spice level or substitute with kielbasa or chorizo for a different flavor.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
• Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula for a different texture and flavor profile.
• If you want it creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the cheddar.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta that cooks evenly in a skillet.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian meal.

One-Pan White Cheddar Ranch Sausage Magic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

One-Pan White Cheddar Ranch Sausage Magic Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish made with smoked sausage, rotini pasta, and a delicious blend of ranch seasoning and white cheddar cheese. This easy skillet meal combines savory browned sausage, tender pasta cooked right in the pan, and fresh baby spinach with roasted red peppers for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 12 oz rotini pasta

Protein

• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

Dairy

• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

Liquid

• 2 cups chicken broth

Oils & Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the rotini pasta to the simmering liquid, making sure it is mostly submerged. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the liquid.
5. Add Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Incorporate Vegetables: Fold in the baby spinach and roasted red peppers. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly by cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Combine Sausage and Season: Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir everything together evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Serve the pasta warm and enjoy your comforting one-pan meal.

Notes

• Use smoked sausage or kielbasa for added smoky flavor.
• For a richer sauce, use whole milk or substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
• If you prefer less sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
• Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking.

Keywords: one-pan pasta, white cheddar pasta, ranch seasoning pasta, smoked sausage pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta skillet