Description
This Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is a flavorful and creamy one-pan meal combining tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and cool ranch dressing with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and thoroughly cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Add Pasta & Liquids: Add the pasta, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles. Serve the pasta hot straight from the skillet for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- Using cream cheese at room temperature helps it incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different melt.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
