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### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your vegetables. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage. Having everything ready will ensure the cooking process goes smoothly.
#### Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Sausage
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed **chicken** and cook it until browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. After the chicken is browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the **sausage**. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let the sausage brown and render its fat, which will add flavor to the dish. Once the sausage is cooked through, transfer it to the same plate as the chicken.
#### Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped **onions**. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced **garlic** and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The garlic should not burn, as it can become bitter.
#### Step 4: Add the Broth and Cream
Next, pour in the **chicken broth** and bring the mixture to a simmer. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
Once the broth is simmering, add the **heavy cream**, **Italian seasoning**, **paprika**, and **salt and pepper**. Stir everything to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
#### Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Now, add the **rotini pasta** to the skillet. Stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the sauce reduces too quickly, but don’t add too much liquid; the goal is to get a creamy, thick sauce that coats the pasta.
#### Step 6: Add the Chicken, Sausage, and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, add the cooked **chicken** and **sausage** back into the skillet. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the meat and pasta. Now, it’s time to add the **cheddar cheese**. Sprinkle the cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if necessary.
#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted and the dish is hot and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the **Rotini Pasta with Chicken, Sausage, and Cheddar** hot, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese if desired. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad or garlic bread for an even heartier meal.
### Tips and Variations
– **Use Different Meats**: You can swap the chicken and sausage for other proteins like turkey, ground beef, or even shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
– **Make it Spicy**: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage. You can also add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
– **Vegetarian Version**: For a vegetarian version of this dish, skip the meat altogether and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also use plant-based sausage or tofu for added protein.
– **Add More Vegetables**: You can incorporate other vegetables like peas, spinach, or kale into this dish. Simply add them to the skillet when you add the chicken and sausage back in, allowing them to cook through.
– **Make it Lighter**: If you’re looking to reduce the calories, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter option such as half-and-half or milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese variety.
– **Meal Prep Friendly**: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
### Conclusion
**Rotini Pasta with Chicken, Sausage, and Cheddar in One Pot** is an ultimate comfort food dish that combines convenience with amazing flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy
meal to prepare on a busy night, this recipe has you covered. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot, coupled with the creamy, cheesy sauce, makes it a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
By using easily accessible ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe allows even beginner cooks to feel confident in the kitchen. Plus, with its versatility and ability to be customized to your taste, it’s a great dish to make over and over again.
