Irresistible One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe

Name: One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

May 23, 2025

Updated:

May 23, 2025

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The moment you set eyes on this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, your taste buds will start doing a little happy dance. Imagine creamy penne pasta enveloped in a zesty buffalo sauce, perfectly mingling with tender chicken and a medley of spices. It’s like a flavor explosion in a bowl that beckons you to dive right in. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish for friends during a movie marathon night; the aroma wafting through the house had everyone drooling before we even pressed play. The laughter, the clinking of forks, and those satisfied sighs filled me with joy—this dish was an instant hit! Perfect for cozy nights or game day gatherings, it guarantees an experience packed with delightful flavors. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is incredibly easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners stress-free
The bold flavors create a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for more
Its vibrant colors and creamy texture make it visually captivating on any dinner table
Plus, you can customize it with veggies or your favorite proteins for added flair!

I still chuckle when my friend tried to impress me by saying he could handle the spice, only to gulp down three glasses of water afterward!

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Penne Pasta: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free penne if preferred; it adds a nutritious twist.
Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; the spiciness is key to this dish’s character.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This gives an extra punch of flavor; feel free to add more if you’re feeling adventurous!
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the overall taste.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack works best, adding gooey goodness as it melts into the dish.
Fresh Green Onions: Chopped green onions add color and a mild crunch—don’t skip them!
Olive Oil: Just a bit for sautéing—enough to get those flavors going without drowning everything.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices bring depth and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously but taste as you go; balance is essential!

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

Recipe preparation for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting. Chop the green onions and measure out your spices so that everything is within arm’s reach as you cook.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside—about 5-7 minutes should do it.

Add Spices and Pasta: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir in uncooked penne pasta next; let those flavors mingle for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in Liquids: Carefully combine buffalo sauce and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well so every piece gets coated; bring it all to a boil.

Simmer Away: Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente—don’t forget to stir occasionally!

Add Cheese and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Top with chopped green onions before serving hot; watch everyone dig in!

Now that you have mastered this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne recipe, prepare yourself for endless requests from family or friends wanting seconds! Happy cooking!

You Must Know

The One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a game changer for weeknight dinners
This dish combines the zesty flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy ranch, creating a mouthwatering experience that pleases even the pickiest eaters
Plus, who doesn’t love one-pot meals?
Less cleanup equals more time for Netflix!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors. While it cooks, prepare the pasta and sauce simultaneously for a seamless workflow that saves time and enhances flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out penne for any pasta you have on hand. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, ensure your skillet is hot before searing
Overcooking pasta can lead to mushy results, so keep an eye on it
Don’t hesitate to adjust spice levels based on your taste preference; this dish is versatile!

Sometimes, I wonder how something so simple could create such joy at my dinner table—friends gobbling up seconds while I basked in the glory of my culinary triumph. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted by controlling the amount of buffalo sauce used.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty alternative.

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