The aroma of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine creamy pasta swirled with spicy buffalo sauce and tender chicken, all mingling together in one glorious pot. It’s a dish that could make even the grumpiest person smile—trust me, I’ve seen it happen. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
This recipe has been a family favorite for ages, especially during those chaotic weeknights when our kitchen turns into a battlefield. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for parties or cozy family dinners, it promises to be the highlight of any meal. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne makes dinnertime easier by minimizing clean-up while maximizing flavor
- The perfect blend of spicy and creamy keeps everyone coming back for more
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Versatile enough to switch up ingredients based on what you have at home!
There was that one time my cousin came over for dinner unannounced, and I whipped this up in no time. He left with a full belly and high praise; I’ll never forget his wide-eyed expression as he devoured his second helping.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well, but adjust based on how hungry your crowd is.
Penne Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer; cooking time may vary slightly.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; the spicier, the better!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: A must-have for that tangy flavor; feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness; it adds depth to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess that takes this dish over the top; you can substitute with half-and-half if needed.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella works beautifully; who doesn’t love cheesy pasta?
Green Onions: These add freshness and color—don’t skip them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Preparation starts with an essential step:
Sauté the Chicken: Heat some oil in your trusty large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Pasta: Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—your kitchen will smell like heaven. Then stir in penne pasta along with chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Bring everything to a boil.
Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally—this helps prevent sticking while infusing all those glorious flavors.
Create Creamy Goodness: Once the pasta is cooked perfectly, stir in heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix until everything is well combined. Watch as it transforms into a creamy dream!
Melt Cheese to Perfection: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover again until melted—about 3-5 minutes should do it! The gooey cheese makes every bite feel indulgent.
Garnish and Serve!: Finish off by sprinkling chopped green onions on top before serving hot! Grab a fork (or two) because you won’t be able to resist diving right in.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself after a long day, this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is everything you need for comfort food bliss. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a flavor explosion!
- Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines creamy ranch with zesty buffalo sauce
- The aroma while cooking is irresistible, making everyone eager for dinner
- Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the chicken to golden perfection. Next, add the pasta and sauce simultaneously to infuse flavors. This order keeps the chicken juicy while ensuring the penne absorbs all that delicious buffalo ranch goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a veggie twist. Experiment with different pasta types or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance both nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it looks dry to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid mushy pasta, cook it al dente before adding the sauce
- Adding cheese at the end creates a melty topping that’s irresistible
- Keep a close eye on spices; too much buffalo sauce can overpower your dish
Sharing this dish at a family gathering brought laughter and compliments, especially when my cousin “accidentally” spilled buffalo sauce on his shirt—it became an instant family joke!
FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?
Yes, any pasta shape works well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much buffalo sauce you use.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option.
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch in a single pot. This delicious dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also simplifies mealtime by cutting down on cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, every bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté chicken in a large pot with oil over medium-high heat until browned (6-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream and ranch seasoning until combined. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover until melted (3-5 minutes).
- Garnish with green onions before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
