The tantalizing aroma of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne wafts through the air, enveloping you in a warm hug of comfort food bliss. Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender chicken bathed in a spicy buffalo sauce, and a hint of ranch dressing all coming together in one glorious dish that promises to ignite your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
This delightful recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s an experience. Picture yourself serving it at gatherings, where friends and family rave about the bold flavors, making you feel like the culinary superstar you were born to be. Trust me, this dish has it all: flavor, ease, and a touch of pizzazz that will leave everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a breeze to prepare, combining minimal cleanup with maximum flavor
- The zesty buffalo and creamy ranch create a mouthwatering harmony
- Its vibrant colors make for an eye-catching presentation at any table
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends!
Every time I whip up this dish, my friends can’t help but swoon over the flavor explosion. It’s become my go-to for potlucks—and the crowd goes wild!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I typically use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your guest list.
Penne Pasta: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free penne if you’re looking for healthier options that still pack a punch.
Buffalo Sauce: Pick your favorite brand or make your own for that personal touch—just remember it’s all about heat!
Ranch Dressing: Use store-bought or homemade; either way, it adds creamy goodness that balances the spice.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; they’ll infuse the dish with aromatic delight.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness and enhance the overall flavor.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch on top—don’t skip them unless you’re feeling rebellious!
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella offers gooey goodness that brings everything together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients so you can easily toss them into the pot. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic; this will save you time later.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be juicy and tender!
Add Garlic and Broth: Once the chicken is browned, throw in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth next to deglaze those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Toss in Pasta: Add your penne pasta and buffalo sauce; stir everything together. Bring it to a simmer while covering—it’ll cook perfectly as those flavors meld together!
Add Ranch Dressing: Once the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes), stir in ranch dressing until everything is coated in creamy goodness.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese on top while it’s still hot so it melts beautifully. Finish with chopped green onions for that fresh crunch before diving in!
Now dig into this mouthwatering One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne—a feast that’s sure to satisfy your cravings without taking over your evening!
You Must Know
- This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is the ultimate weeknight winner
- With its creamy sauce and spicy kick, it’s sure to impress any crowd
- The mingling scents of chicken and ranch will have your kitchen smelling heavenly
- Plus, who doesn’t love one-pot meals for easy cleanup?
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown. Then add the pasta and sauce together, allowing them to simmer and marry flavors beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or veggies for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect results, ensure your chicken is evenly cut for consistent cooking
- Use high-quality ranch dressing for the best flavor infusion
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to suit your palate perfectly
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it while proclaiming me a culinary genius. Who knew anything involving buffalo sauce could achieve such acclaim?
FAQ
Can I make this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
Greek yogurt or homemade ranch mix are excellent alternatives for ranch dressing.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild spice can be adjusted to suit younger palates easily.
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This effortless recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering bold flavors and minimal cleanup. Satisfy your cravings with this delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in penne pasta and buffalo sauce; cover and bring to a simmer for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Once the liquid is mostly absorbed, mix in ranch dressing until everything is well-coated.
- Remove from heat, top with shredded cheese while hot, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
