Description
- This Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is a flavor-packed, one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken, creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender pasta. It’s comfort food with a spicy kick!
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
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2 cups chicken broth
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½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
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½ cup ranch dressing
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
Instructions
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Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
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Add Garlic: Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add Pasta & Liquids: Add pasta, chicken broth, and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
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Make It Creamy: Stir in ranch dressing, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Serve: Top with sliced green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles. Serve hot!
Notes
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Make It Milder: Reduce buffalo sauce and add more ranch for a less spicy version.
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Pasta Tip: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking, add a splash more broth to loosen the sauce.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg