Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet! This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, twirly pasta, and a fiery buffalo-ranch sauce that’s tamed just enough by creamy cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and comforting—think game-day vibes meets weeknight ease. I love how it all comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Ready to dive into this flavor-packed skillet? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this spicy, creamy skillet:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Juicy protein for hearty bites.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the chicken.
1 onion, chopped – Sweet, savory base.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Bold, aromatic kick.
1 red bell pepper, chopped – Colorful crunch and mild sweetness.
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice) – Perfect shapes to hold the sauce.
4 cups chicken broth – Cooks the pasta and adds flavor.
½ cup buffalo wing sauce – Fiery, tangy heat.
½ cup ranch dressing – Creamy, cooling balance.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, cheesy goodness.
¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish) – A fresh, zesty finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a bold meal!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes – Quick chopping and prepping.
Cook Time: 30 minutes – Fast cooking and simmering.
Total Time: 40 minutes – A zesty dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet with ease—here’s how:
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and vibrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the spicy, cheesy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while it’s hot and zesty!
Tips & Tricks
Make this skillet even better with these handy pointers:
Spice Control: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference—start with ¼ cup for a milder flavor.
Pasta Choice: Rotini grabs the sauce beautifully, but penne or farfalle work great too.
Cheese Boost: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for extra melt or a spicy kick.
Veggie Swap: Try diced celery or carrots for a classic buffalo wing vibe, or add spinach for greenery.
Make It Quick: Use rotisserie chicken and skip the first step—just toss it in at the end to heat through.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet is a meal in itself, but these sides make it a party:
Celery Sticks: Crisp celery with extra ranch for dipping—classic buffalo style.
Garlic Bread: Crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
Cucumber Salad: A cool, refreshing side to tame the heat.
Beer: A cold lager to complement the spicy flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (if there’s any left!):
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the sauce may separate slightly but will recombine with stirring.
Nutrition Info
This dish is bold and satisfying! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 28g – From the chicken and cheese.
Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 10g) – From the cheese, ranch, and oil.
Carbohydrates: 34g – Mostly from the pasta.
Fiber: 2g – A bit from the veggies and pasta.
Sugar: 4g – Naturally occurring in the veggies and ranch.
Sodium: 1100mg – Varies with broth and buffalo sauce; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is a flavor-packed winner that brings the heat and comfort in every bite. The spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and cheesy pasta make it a dish that’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something exciting. Plus, one-pan cleanup? Yes, please! Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own spicy twist! Happy cooking!
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