Description

A creamy, savory weeknight dinner featuring Italian sausage, rotini pasta, white cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing mix
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage to a plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
In the same skillet, add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, ranch dressing mix, and minced garlic. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be al dente and liquid should be mostly absorbed. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Stir in the browned sausage and grated white cheddar cheese. Reduce heat to low and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Keep heat on medium-low when adding cheese to prevent separation. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 680
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 22

Keywords: one pan pasta, white cheddar ranch, sausage pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, family friendly meal