The aroma of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne fills the air, teasing your senses with its spicy, creamy goodness. Picture tender penne pasta coated in a luscious buffalo ranch sauce, mingling with juicy chicken and topped with a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a dish that promises to ignite your taste buds and warm your heart. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
This dish is not just about food; it’s about memories. I remember the first time I made One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne for my friends during game night. Their excited reactions and satisfied groans were all the validation I needed. Perfect for casual gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is quick to whip up, making dinner prep stress-free
- Its bold flavors keep everyone coming back for seconds
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt for any occasion or dietary preferences
Every time I serve this dish, my friends light up, eagerly asking for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work great; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
Penne Pasta: Use whole grain or gluten-free penne if you prefer healthier options.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; it should be tangy and spicy for that kick.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds an extra touch of love.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides perfect creaminess on top.
Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor.
Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory depth; don’t skip this one!
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth helps control saltiness while adding moisture during cooking.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil keeps everything from sticking and enhances flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Start by prepping your ingredients, ensuring everything is within reach to streamline your cooking process.
Sautéing the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and let it shimmer before tossing in cubed chicken breasts. Cook until they turn golden brown and no longer pink inside.
Add Garlic and Spices: Sprinkle in garlic powder along with salt and pepper after the chicken has cooked through. Stir well until fragrant; this should take about 30 seconds.
Pasta Time!: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add penne pasta once bubbling begins; stir frequently to prevent sticking as it cooks.
Mixing in Sauces: Once the pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes), reduce heat. Stir in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until everything is evenly coated; let it simmer gently for a couple more minutes.
Topping with Cheese and Green Onions: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Cover for a few minutes until melted, then garnish with fresh green onions before serving.
With each step inviting delightful aromas into your kitchen, you’ll find yourself eager to dig into this hearty meal! Enjoy every bite of this comforting One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne!
You Must Know
- One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne simplifies dinner while delivering bold flavors
- This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, and the creamy texture combined with a kick of spice makes it irresistibly delicious for everyone at the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture, then add pasta and sauce for optimal flavor blending. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experimenting keeps things exciting and personalizes your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat on the stove to preserve creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning
- A splash of extra ranch dressing can elevate flavors beautifully
- Remember that overcooking pasta can turn it mushy; aim for al dente!
Cooking this dish reminds me of a friend’s dinner party where everyone went back for seconds, and I basked in their compliments. Sharing delicious food truly brings people together!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
Try blue cheese dressing or a homemade yogurt-based sauce for a twist.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños to amp up the heat!
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a delightful blend of spicy, creamy flavors that brings comfort to any meal. This quick and easy dish features tender penne pasta coated in a zesty buffalo ranch sauce, juicy chicken, and a melty cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s sure to become a family favorite that ignites your taste buds and warms your heart.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add penne pasta and stir frequently as it cooks.
- When the pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes), reduce heat and mix in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover for a few minutes until melted, then garnish with fresh green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
