Delicious One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe

There’s a magical moment when you lift the lid off a bubbling pot of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne. The aroma hits you like a warm hug, a delightful blend of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dancing together in perfect harmony. Picture this: tender chicken simmering alongside perfectly cooked penne, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that makes your taste buds sing. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne for my friends during a cozy game night. As soon as they caught a whiff of that spicy goodness wafting through the kitchen, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. It became an instant favorite, and now it’s our go-to dish whenever we need to impress or simply indulge in something delicious. Trust me; this recipe is not only packed with flavor but also brings people together over hearty bowls filled to the brim with creamy goodness.

I still chuckle when I think about how everyone tried to sneak extra servings while pretending they were full.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal tenderness and adjust based on your crowd size.

• Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully; choose whole wheat for added nutrition.

• Buffalo Sauce: Opt for your favorite brand or homemade version; heat levels can vary.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch adds richness; make sure to use your favorite kind for the best flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth works best so you can control saltiness; it adds depth of flavor.

• Cream Cheese: For that luscious creaminess; let it soften slightly before mixing in for easier incorporation.

• Green Onions: These add freshness and crunch on top; slice them thinly for garnish.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar works wonders here; sprinkle generously for gooey goodness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the green onions while letting the cream cheese soften on the counter—this makes mixing easier later.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and toss in the diced chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the penne pasta along with chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Bring everything to a gentle boil, ensuring no dry pasta remains above liquid.

Incorporate Cream Cheese: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and mix in softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined—this creates that sought-after creamy texture.

Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; trust me on this one!

Add Final Touches: Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover again briefly until melted—then garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot.

And just like that, you’ve created a culinary masterpiece right at home! The comforting aromas waft through your kitchen as you plate up generous servings of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne. Feel free to share (or not) because let’s be honest—everyone may want seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then toss in the pasta while preparing the creamy buffalo sauce. This method ensures everything cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color! For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of my friend’s surprise party. I whipped it up last minute, and everyone loved it! The compliments kept rolling in, making me feel like a culinary superstar.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even results.

Is there a vegetarian version of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by using less buffalo sauce or opting for a milder version.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing, all enveloped in perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, bringing friends and family together over hearty bowls of deliciousness. With its tantalizing aroma and vibrant colors, this one-pot meal transforms any dinner into a memorable feast.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 green onions (sliced thinly)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop the green onions and let the cream cheese soften.
2. Sauté the chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and cook diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
3. Add pasta and liquids: Stir in penne pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Incorporate cream cheese: Reduce heat to low and mix in softened cream cheese until melted and combined.
5. Cook until tender: Cover the pot and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
6. Add final touches: Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover briefly until melted, then garnish with green onions before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg