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
1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 cups short pasta (penne, rotini, or cavatappi)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
½ cup ranch dressing
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and melted.
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.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and well combined.
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