Flavorful One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a creamy, spicy sauce, perfectly coating every piece of penne pasta. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and zesty ranch dressing sets the stage for a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha. For more inspiration, check out this great lunch options recipe.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a game night. As we gathered around the table, the moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. It was love at first taste, and let me tell you, there were zero leftovers that night!

I’ll never forget how my friends begged for the recipe after that night—who knew one simple dish could create such culinary chaos among us?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal flavor and tenderness; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.

• Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce beautifully; choose whole wheat for added nutrition if you like.

• Buffalo Sauce: Grab your favorite brand or homemade version; it’s where the heat and flavor come from.

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy counterpart to balance the spiciness; homemade or store-bought works just fine!

• Fresh Garlic: The fresher, the better! It adds a punch of flavor that elevates every bite.

• Chicken Broth: For cooking the pasta and infusing flavor; low-sodium is ideal to control saltiness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully over everything; feel free to add more if you’re feeling cheesy! For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch; they’re also fantastic for garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

First things first: let’s get cooking!

Sautéing the Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced boneless chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Add Aromatics and Flavorings: Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot while stirring frequently until fragrant—about 1 minute. The smell alone will make you want to dive right in!

Pasta Time!: Pour in uncooked penne along with chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Stir well, ensuring all pasta gets coated in that delightful mixture. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer.

Creamy Ranch Finish: After about 10-12 minutes, when pasta is al dente and liquid has mostly absorbed, stir in ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Let that cheesy goodness envelop everything!

Garnish & Serve!: Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions over your creation for color and crunch. Serve hot straight from the pot—because who needs dishes when you have one-pot magic?

Now you’re ready to dig into your One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne! Enjoy every delicious bite as you bask in culinary glory.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for a golden crust, then cook the penne and prepare the sauce simultaneously for optimal flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that one dinner party where everyone raved about my cooking skills, only to find out it was this one-pot wonder!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

You can easily use homemade ranch mix or Italian seasoning as alternatives.

How spicy is this Buffalo Ranch dish?

The spice level can vary depending on your choice of buffalo sauce; choose mild or hot accordingly.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Experience the irresistible combination of tender chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, and zesty ranch dressing in this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, delivering a flavor explosion that will leave your guests craving more. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and no longer pink (approximately 6-8 minutes).
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add uncooked penne, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
4. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Stir in ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg