The aroma of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of flavor. Imagine creamy penne pasta enveloped in a tangy buffalo ranch sauce, all perfectly cooked in one pot. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite dish, perfect for any occasion.
This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited the first bite. Ideal for game nights or casual gatherings, this recipe guarantees to impress even the pickiest eaters. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you craving more! For more inspiration, check out this easy dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is effortlessly simple, requiring minimal cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor
- The spicy buffalo sauce combined with cool ranch dressing creates a delightful contrast that pleases the palate
- Vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for sharing with friends
- Great for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish at parties
I vividly remember the first time I served this to my friends; they cleaned their plates faster than you can say “buffalo chicken.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch options recipe.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your hungry guests.
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Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite delightful.
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Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that fiery kick.
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Ranch Dressing: Opt for creamy ranch to balance out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
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Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness; low-sodium is best to control saltiness.
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Fresh Garlic: For aromatic goodness, fresh garlic cloves are unbeatable in flavor.
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Green Onions: Chopped for garnish; they add a pop of color and fresh taste.
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Shredded Cheese: I love using cheddar; it melts beautifully into the dish.
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Olive Oil: A splash helps cook our chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Start by preparing your ingredients: Gather all items listed above so you can cook efficiently without searching mid-recipe.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up bits stuck to the pot for extra flavor.
Add Pasta and Sauces: Toss in uncooked penne pasta along with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Stir well to combine everything into a saucy goodness.
Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cheese and Garnish: Once cooked, remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top; cover until melted. Finish with chopped green onions for color before serving.
Enjoy each creamy, spicy bite bursting with flavor as you dig into this delightful dish! Feel free to adjust spice levels or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach if you’d like to get creative!
You Must Know
- This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- It combines creamy ranch with spicy buffalo flavors, delivering comfort in every bite
- Plus, it’s a breeze to clean up—just one pot means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then add the pasta and sauce together. This method ensures all flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap penne for another pasta variety, or toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce based on your preference.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking pasta, add salt to boiling water; this enhances flavor significantly
- Always taste as you go—adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your liking
- Lastly, let the dish rest before serving; it allows flavors to develop beautifully
Sharing this dish at a family gathering brought back fond memories of laughter and compliments about my cooking skills, proving that food truly brings people together.
FAQ
Can I make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for easy reheating later.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce?
Try using BBQ sauce or a mild hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prepping and tastes great reheated throughout the week.
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a deliciously creamy and spicy dish that combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a flavorful buffalo ranch sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to the table with every bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with an explosion of flavors that will keep them coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts; season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pot.
- Add uncooked penne pasta, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing; stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat; sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg