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
Scale
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
