Description
A bold and creamy one-skillet dinner that brings together tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and cool ranch in a cheesy pasta dream. This Bold and Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with a kick—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 cups short pasta (penne, rotini, or cavatappi)
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2 cups chicken broth
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½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
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½ cup ranch dressing
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and melted.
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Add uncooked pasta to the sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
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Return the chicken to the skillet. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and well combined.
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Garnish with chopped green onions if using. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Notes
Want it spicier? Add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
Using rotisserie chicken? Just add it during the final stir.
Thin out sauce with a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: lunch
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg