One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy, spicy, and savory all in one bite, look no further than this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will have you coming back for more! Imagine tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing all wrapped up in perfectly cooked penne pasta—what’s not to love? It’s packed with bold flavors and super easy to make, so you can enjoy this delicious meal without any hassle. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one over and over again.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite:

Bold and Flavorful: The combo of tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing gives this dish a flavor explosion that will knock your socks off. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and creamy.

One-Pot Wonder: No need to dirty up a bunch of dishes—this entire meal is cooked in one pot. Less mess, less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal!

Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Kid-Friendly: The creamy ranch and spicy buffalo sauce combo is usually a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds!

Hearty and Filling: With chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, this dish is incredibly satisfying and will leave you full and happy.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that come together to make this comforting dish:

Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. They’re cooked to tender perfection and soak up all that delicious buffalo ranch flavor.

Penne Pasta
The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce. Penne is hearty and holds onto the sauce well, making every bite flavorful.

Buffalo Sauce
This is what gives the dish its signature spicy kick. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this pasta from good to amazing.

Ranch Dressing
Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing adds richness and balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce.

Chicken Broth
Used to cook the pasta and infuse even more savory flavor into the dish.

Cheddar Cheese
Melted cheese adds that gooey, cheesy goodness that brings everything together.

Olive Oil
For sautéing the chicken and adding a little bit of richness to the dish.

Garlic
Fresh garlic for that aromatic punch that enhances the entire dish.

Onion Powder & Paprika
These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Salt & Pepper
For basic seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking and make this dish come to life:

Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the Penne Pasta
Stir in the penne pasta and make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Shred the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Combine Everything
Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Pour in the ranch dressing and stir everything together until the pasta is coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. If needed, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with a little extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This dish is sure to be a hit at the table!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

This hearty dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for sides to round out your meal:

Fresh Green Salad: Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the buffalo ranch sauce.

Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta? It’s the perfect side to scoop up any extra sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower would be a great, healthy addition to this meal.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch and contrast to the creamy pasta.

Additional Tips

Here are a few pro tips to make this dish even better:

Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild buffalo sauce. You can always add more heat to taste at the end!

Leftover Chicken?: If you have leftover chicken, you can use it in this recipe to save time. Just shred it and toss it in with the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.

Make It Ahead: You can prep everything ahead of time by chopping the chicken and measuring out the ingredients. Just cook everything when you’re ready for a quick dinner.

Top with Green Onions: Garnish with fresh green onions or cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Creamy Option: For an extra creamy dish, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra richness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While penne is ideal, you can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli.

Q2: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A2: Yes! To kick up the heat, add more buffalo sauce, or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra spice.

Q3: Can I use frozen chicken?
A3: You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the pot. You may need to increase the cook time for frozen chicken breasts.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave for best results.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and pasta separately, then combine and heat up when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A7: Yes, you can skip the chicken and add in some veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian version.

Q8: What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
A8: You can use any buffalo sauce you like—whether store-bought or homemade. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food.

Q9: Can I use a different cheese?
A9: Yes, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a different twist.

Q10: How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
A10: To reduce the calorie count, use light ranch dressing, a lower-fat cheese, and opt for a smaller portion of pasta.

Conclusion

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s quick, easy, and completely satisfying, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or even a casual dinner with friends. With just one pot to clean, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious. Whether you’re a buffalo sauce lover or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy!

Print