Ranch Pesto Pasta With Chicken Sausage is a delightful dish that combines the creamy richness of ranch dressing with the herbaceous zing of pesto. Imagine twirling strands of pasta around your fork, each bite bursting with flavors, while the aroma wafts through your kitchen like an inviting hug. Cranberry Chicken Salad pairing. For more inspiration, check out this Baked Ravioli recipe.
This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone was happily indulging. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it promises a taste explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Ranch Pesto Pasta With Chicken Sausage is quick to prepare, making weeknight meals easy and delicious
- The harmonious blend of flavors creates a visually stunning dish that pleases the palate
- With its versatility, you can swap in seasonal vegetables or proteins to suit your taste
- The creamy texture combined with fresh herbs makes it an irresistible comfort food
It was one of those nights when I whipped this up on a whim, and my family declared me the “Queen of Pasta.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use your favorite type; I recommend penne or fusilli for optimal sauce clinging.
- Chicken Sausage: Opt for pre-cooked varieties for convenience, but feel free to use raw if you prefer to cook from scratch. For more inspiration, check out this complete chicken dinner recipe.
- Pesto: Store-bought is fine, but homemade basil pesto will elevate the flavor to new heights.
- Ranch Dressing: Choose a creamy ranch dressing; it adds richness that complements the pesto beautifully.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and vibrant, these add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for an authentic flavor; it’s worth every extra minute!
- Fresh Basil: A handful adds brightness and freshness; don’t skip this essential garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced chicken sausage. Cook until golden brown and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Sauce: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes along with pesto and ranch dressing into the skillet. Stir well until everything is coated and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
Toss in Pasta: Add your drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so each piece of pasta gets an even coating of sauce.
Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top along with fresh basil leaves. Stir gently until melted.
Serve warm and enjoy every delicious forkful of this creamy Ranch Pesto Pasta With Chicken Sausage! Creamy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts.
You Must Know
- Ranch pesto pasta with chicken sausage is a delightful blend of flavors
- Pairing the creaminess of ranch with the freshness of pesto makes for a comforting dish
- Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste for a personalized touch!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken sausage until golden brown, then cook pasta while preparing the ranch pesto sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken sausage with turkey or veggie options. Experiment with different veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water for moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The secret to perfect ranch pesto pasta lies in balancing flavors, so taste as you go!
- Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture and add cheese at the end to avoid clumping
- Fresh herbs can elevate your dish even more!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table asking for seconds, and I always obliged!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and still delicious in this recipe.
What sides pair well with ranch pesto pasta?
A fresh garden salad or garlic bread complements this dish beautifully. Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes. Zesty Lemon Garlic Potatoes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for texture.
Ranch Pesto Pasta With Chicken Sausage
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ranch Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the creamy goodness of ranch dressing with the fragrant notes of pesto. This comforting pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for more. With fresh cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan, each bite is a delicious experience that brings warmth and joy to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced chicken sausage until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, pesto, and ranch dressing to the skillet; stir well and heat through for about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring it's well coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil; stir gently until melted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
