Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
If you love the idea of a dinner that brings a bold kick, creamy comfort, and irresistible tang all in one skillet, you’re going to be obsessed with this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet! Imagine tender chunks of chicken seared to golden perfection, pasta cooked right in a spicy, savory broth, and everything tossed together with melty cheese and ranch dressing for that signature creamy finish. Every bite packs a punch of flavor, all while coming together in just one pan for a fuss-free dinner that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients transform into such a show-stopping dish. Each component in this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet plays a key role, from the juicy chicken to the zippy buffalo sauce and the creamy ranch that ties it all together.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to perfection.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that boost flavor right from the start.
- Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes soak up the sauce beautifully and hold up well in the skillet.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory depth as it cooks right in the pan.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Brings the signature heat and tang; adjust to your spice preference.
- Ranch dressing: Cools down the spice and adds irresistible creaminess and herby notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for that dreamy, stretchy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and extra richness to the cheesy sauce.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, zippy garnish that pops against the creamy pasta.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprig of green for that finishing touch and hint of freshness.
How to Make Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let the chicken sizzle and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked all the way through. This gives your chicken that irresistible golden crust and locks in all the juices. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—you’ll bring it back for a grand finale!
Step 2: Simmer the Pasta and Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to wash—the pan fond adds flavor!), add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and buffalo wing sauce. Give it a good stir, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Heat the mixture until it comes to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it gently simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks. The pasta will soak up all that spicy, savory broth and become perfectly tender while most of the liquid gets absorbed.
Step 3: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Now for the creamy magic! Stir in the ranch dressing, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. The cheeses will melt right into the sauce, creating an indulgently creamy, cheesy coating for every noodle. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until it’s perfectly combined and heated through. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is creamy and bubbling, sprinkle on sliced green onions and a handful of fresh parsley if you like. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and color that makes the whole dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A scattering of sliced green onions offers a crisp bite and mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce if you crave more heat. These simple garnishes not only make your Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet pop visually but also add fresh layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This skillet pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with the right sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve with classic celery and carrot sticks for a playful nod to buffalo wings. If you’re feeling indulgent, some warm garlic bread or buttery Texas toast will soak up every last bit of that zesty sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet into party food by scooping it into individual ramekins for a fun, pub-style presentation. For a family-style meal, serve straight from the skillet at the table—there’s something cozy about everyone digging in together. You can even load up baked potatoes or stuff bell peppers with leftovers for a clever next-day lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a fabulous lunch the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture. Keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly after freezing, but the bold flavors will remain.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For individual portions, the microwave works just fine—cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Top with fresh green onions or parsley to revive that just-made freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are ideal for soaking up the sauce, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or shells will work beautifully in your Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some shapes may need a minute more or less.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
It’s easy to make this meal gluten-free—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your ranch dressing is gluten-free, too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join in on the fun.
What if I want less spice?
Not a fan of too much heat? Simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce variety. You can also add extra ranch dressing or a splash of cream to mellow things out while keeping all the creamy goodness.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely! A handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end wilts down beautifully, or toss in some diced bell peppers, corn, or even cooked broccoli for extra color and nutrition. The Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own.
What protein swaps work in this recipe?
You can easily substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based chicken alternatives. Each brings its own twist to the dish while keeping those bold flavors front and center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to wake up your taste buds and impress anyone at the table, this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is calling your name. It’s comforting, spicy, creamy, and just downright fun to eat. Give it a try and see why this skillet is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A bold and zesty one-pot skillet meal combining tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheeses mixed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This hearty American dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add the uncooked pasta, low-sodium chicken broth, and buffalo wing sauce. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and Absorb: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the pasta simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Creaminess and Cheese: Stir in the ranch dressing, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to incorporate evenly. Heat through for another minute or two. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy your bold and zesty buffalo ranch chicken pasta skillet.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference for more or less heat.
- Add cooked bacon or a handful of baby spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
