There’s something magical about a dish that combines the bold flavors of Buffalo sauce with the creamy comfort of ranch dressing, all nestled in a hearty bed of penne pasta. One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is like a warm hug on a chilly day, with just enough kick to keep you on your toes and smile on your face. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you dancing like nobody’s watching and begging for a taste before it even reaches the table. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Picture this: you’re hosting a game night, surrounded by friends, laughter echoing off the walls. The moment you serve up this delightful dish, jaws drop, eyes widen, and forks dive in as if they’re in an Olympic sport. This isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with joy and flavor that turns any occasion into a celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners effortless
- It offers a unique flavor profile that balances spicy and creamy perfectly
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it brings life to your dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for leftovers or meal prep!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how it was “life-changing.” Who knew pasta could create such an uproar?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Penne Pasta: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free options if you prefer; they hold up well in this recipe.
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Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that extra zing; adjust the heat level as desired.
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Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch complements the heat perfectly; opt for homemade or store-bought based on your time constraints.
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Fresh Garlic: A must for aromatic depth; minced fresh garlic packs way more flavor than powdered.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while keeping everything moist and flavorful.
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Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully over the top—because who doesn’t love cheese?
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Sauté the Chicken: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté diced chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender and juicy!
Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant—trust me, you’ll want to sniff deeply at this stage!
Add Pasta and Liquid: Stir in penne pasta with chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Bring to a boil then reduce heat; cover and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 12-15 minutes.
Mix in Creaminess: Once cooked, stir in ranch dressing until everything is well combined. The mixture will transform into creamy bliss—get ready for some serious flavor!
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again until melted—around 3-5 minutes—so you can revel in that gooey goodness.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve hot! Just brace yourself for compliments galore as everyone digs in.
This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne not only brings people together but also ensures cleanup is as easy as pie (or should I say pasta?). So grab your apron, channel your inner chef extraordinaire, and get ready to wow your friends with minimal fuss!
You Must Know
- One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a game changer; it combines flavors and convenience
- The aroma of buffalo sauce will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken until golden brown. Then, add the pasta and sauce simultaneously for even cooking and flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the penne for your favorite pasta shape 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 three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This dish is all about balance; make sure to taste as you go
- If you love spice, add more buffalo sauce gradually
- Remember, undercooked pasta can soak up too much sauce later, so cook it just right!
Cooking this dish reminds me of that time I invited friends over and ended up with seconds on my hands—literally! They couldn’t stop talking about how delicious the One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne was!
FAQ
What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
You can substitute with hot sauce mixed with ranch dressing for a similar flavor profile.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding other ingredients to avoid uneven cooking.
How do I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or extra buffalo sauce while cooking for an extra kick!
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, where tender chicken meets zesty Buffalo sauce and rich ranch dressing, all enveloped in perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy-to-make dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a time-saver for your busy weeknights. With vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for game nights or family dinners. Get ready for a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add diced chicken and sauté until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add penne pasta, chicken broth, and Buffalo sauce to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is al dente (12-15 minutes).
- Once cooked, stir in ranch dressing until well combined and creamy.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover until melted (3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. This dish can be made ahead of time; simply store leftovers in an airtight container.
