Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet

If you’re the kind of person who lives for bold flavor and can’t resist a little spice, this one’s for you. This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is a one-pan weeknight wonder—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with juicy chicken and tender pasta. It’s got all the vibes of buffalo wings at your favorite game day hangout, but dressed up as a cozy, satisfying dinner that comes together in no time.

Trust me, when that creamy buffalo ranch sauce starts bubbling around the pasta, and that cheese melts into gooey perfection… it’s impossible to resist. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet. Less mess, more flavor. Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet

One-Pan Wonder: This dish is all about maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. It’s the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed.

Big, Bold Flavors: That tangy buffalo sauce, mellowed with creamy ranch and cheese? Yeah, it’s basically flavor fireworks in your mouth.

Quick & Easy: From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big-time comfort.

Kid (and Adult) Approved: It’s spicy without being overwhelming, and super customizable. Add more heat, dial it back, make it your own.

Hearty & Satisfying: With pasta, chicken, and all that creamy, cheesy goodness, it’s a full meal in one skillet—no sides necessary (unless you want ‘em!).

Ingredients in Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Chicken Breast or Thighs

Tender bites of chicken are seasoned and seared to golden perfection, soaking up all that buffalo flavor.

Pasta

Short pasta like penne or rotini works great here—they hold onto all that creamy sauce in the best way.

Buffalo Sauce

The star of the show! Adds heat, tang, and that signature kick. Use your favorite brand or go homemade if you’re feelin’ fancy.

Ranch Dressing

Cools things down and adds that creamy, herby balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Chicken Broth

Used to cook the pasta right in the skillet—adds flavor and keeps everything moist and creamy.

Cream Cheese

Melts into the sauce for an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that clings to every bite.

Shredded Cheese

A combo of cheddar and mozzarella brings the cheesy, melty magic. Don’t skimp—it’s a must.

Garlic & Onion Powder

Simple seasonings that boost the savory profile without overpowering the dish.

Green Onions (Optional)

Adds a fresh, zippy finish and a little crunch. Totally optional, but highly recommended!

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil and cook your chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a plate while you build the sauce.

Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in cream cheese and let it melt into a dreamy, creamy sauce.

Add the Pasta

Stir in your dry pasta directly into the sauce. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Bring Back the Chicken

Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir everything together. Let it all warm through and absorb that creamy buffalo goodness.

Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a few minutes to melt it down into gooey deliciousness.

Finish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions, an extra drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce (if you’re bold like that), and dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 520
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 860mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 31g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on brands used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet

As-Is: It’s a full meal in one pan. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for ultimate comfort.

With a Side Salad: Add a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Garlic Bread or Rolls: Mop up any leftover sauce with warm bread—it’s too good to waste.

With Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach to lighten things up.

Topped with Extras: Try a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, diced celery, or even crispy bacon for bonus flavor and texture.

Additional Tips

Spice Levels: Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity depending on how spicy you like it. Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Shortcut alert! Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.

Make It Lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light ranch if you’re watching calories.

Try Gluten-Free Pasta: Easily adaptable for dietary needs—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Leftovers Reheat Well: Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring the creamy texture back to life.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A1: Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great—just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Q2: What kind of pasta works best?
A2: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells is perfect. It holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet.

Q3: Can I make it in advance?
A3: Definitely! Make the whole skillet and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.

Q4: Can I make it spicier?
A4: Yes! Add extra buffalo sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.

Q5: Can I bake it after cooking for a casserole-style dish?
A5: Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q7: Is it freezer-friendly?
A7: Not the best for freezing—the sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Q8: What cheese works best?
A8: A combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is amazing, but you can also try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist.

Q9: Can I add veggies to the skillet?
A9: Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli can be added in with the pasta or stirred in near the end.

Q10: Is it good for meal prep?
A10: Totally! Portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches—it reheats beautifully.

Conclusion

The Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and packed with flavor that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself, this one-pan wonder brings the heat and the comfort in every cheesy, creamy bite. Go ahead, add it to your favorites list—it totally deserves it.

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