One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Quick and Easy Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that has become a weeknight staple in many households – One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne. This recipe is a true game-changer, blending the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy goodness of ranch seasoning, all enveloping tender chicken and al dente penne pasta. The best part? It all comes together effortlessly in just one pot, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Picture this: succulent diced chicken, perfectly cooked in a flavorful buffalo ranch sauce, mingling with the comforting embrace of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity – a testament to how a handful of pantry staples can transform into a dish that will have your family clamoring for seconds.

As someone who has experienced the transformational power of this dish firsthand, I can attest to its universal appeal. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and satisfying meal or a food enthusiast craving a comforting yet flavorful dinner option, One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne ticks all the boxes. So grab your ingredients, set a pot on the stove, and get ready to savor a meal that will make every night feel like a special occasion.

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Quick Benefits

One-pot convenience for minimal cleanup after cooking
Bold flavors from buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese
Versatile with protein swaps and vegetable additions
Perfectly cooked penne pasta absorbs all flavors for maximum taste

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Quick and Easy Recipe Recipe

Effortless Cleanup: With everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time spent on washing dishes.
Family Favorite: This dish has become a go-to weeknight meal in many households, loved by both adults and kids alike.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that will make you forget you’re eating a simple pasta dish.
Quick and Easy: Diced chicken ensures quick and even cooking, while using a ranch seasoning packet simplifies the flavoring process without compromising on taste.
Customizable Heat Levels: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making it enjoyable for both those who prefer mild flavors and heat-seekers.
Adaptable Ingredients: From protein swaps to vegetable additions, this recipe offers flexibility to cater to various dietary preferences and needs.
Perfect Texture: Penne pasta holds up well and captures the delicious sauce in every bite, ensuring a satisfying meal experience.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare parts of the dish in advance for busy days, ensuring a delicious meal without the rush when dinnertime comes around.
Leftover Magic: Enjoy the flavors even more the next day with leftovers that taste just as good cold, making it a great option for a quick midnight snack.

Ingredients for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Quick and Easy Recipe

Main Ingredients

Green onions, chopped, for garnish
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
½ cup buffalo sauce
12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)

How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Quick and Easy Recipe

Step 1: Cook the chicken

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and almost cooked through.

Step 2: Season with ranch

Evenly sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and stir to coat all pieces. Cook for an additional minute to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Add buffalo sauce and broth

Pour buffalo sauce into pot, stir to coat chicken. Add chicken broth, stir to scrape browned bits. Simmer mixture.

Step 4: Cook the pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add more broth if the pasta appears dry before fully cooked.

Step 5: Add cream and cheese

After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream. Gradually add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or simmering if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Take the pot off the heat and allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Top with freshly chopped green onions and serve hot. Offer extra buffalo sauce on the side for added spiciness.

Storage Tips

To store the One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, ensure any leftovers are cooled completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dish promptly, and it can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, adding a splash of milk or cream while gently warming the pasta in a covered skillet over low heat helps revive the sauce and prevents the pasta from becoming chewy. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it may not bring the dish back to life as effectively as stovetop reheating.

If you find yourself craving a late-night snack, know that the leftover buffalo ranch chicken penne actually tastes delicious cold straight from the fridge. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, offering a different yet equally enjoyable eating experience. For a busy weeknight meal prep strategy, consider preparing the dish up to the pasta cooking step, slightly undercooking the pasta. Refrigerate the partially cooked dish and finish by adding the cream and cheese when reheating it for dinner the following night. This make-ahead tip can save time and still deliver a freshly cooked meal with minimal effort the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make ingredient substitutions for the One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, there are a few options to consider. For the chicken breasts, you can swap them out for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or have them on hand. They will also add a slightly richer flavor to the dish. Additionally, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with diced tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative.

When it comes to the buffalo sauce, feel free to adjust the heat level to suit your preference. You can use a milder buffalo sauce or even a barbecue sauce if you prefer a smokier flavor profile. If you don’t have buffalo sauce on hand, you can create your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter and a splash of vinegar. This DIY version allows you to customize the heat level and flavor to your liking.

Lastly, for the pasta, while penne works beautifully in this dish, you can experiment with other pasta shapes you have available. Rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle would work well in absorbing the flavorful sauce. Just keep in mind that different shapes may require slight adjustments in cooking time to ensure they are cooked al dente.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, consider serving it in individual mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins. Top each portion with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and a drizzle of buffalo sauce before popping them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and create a bubbly, golden crust. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness, and serve these adorable mini skillets directly at the table for a cozy and rustic dining experience that is sure to impress your guests.

For a fun twist on presentation, transform this flavorful pasta dish into a festive appetizer by stuffing cooked mini sweet peppers with the buffalo ranch chicken penne mixture. Simply slice the peppers lengthwise, remove the seeds, and fill each half with a spoonful of the pasta mixture. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. These bite-sized stuffed peppers make for a delightful and eye-catching party snack that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy goodness of ranch in a unique and portable way.

FAQs for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Quick and Easy Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta. Rotini or small shells can be good alternatives as they also capture sauce well, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

How can I adjust the heat level of the dish?

For milder palates, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce to 1/3 cup or opt for a milder version. If you prefer more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to kick things up a notch.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, it’s recommended to add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, which thickens when refrigerated. Using a covered skillet over low heat is better than a microwave to bring the dish back to life without making the pasta chewy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time by cooking the pasta slightly underdone and refrigerating it. Finish the dish by adding the cream and cheese when reheating for dinner the next night, saving you time on busy evenings.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your culinary adventure with the delightful One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, remember that the best meals are often born out of moments of kitchen creativity and a dash of desperation. This recipe has proven time and time again to be a crowd-pleaser, transforming ordinary ingredients into a dish that leaves everyone wanting more. The magic of this one-pot wonder lies in its simplicity, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup, making it a true weeknight hero for busy families.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, the One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a recipe that welcomes experimentation and personalization. From adjusting the heat level to adding your favorite veggies or protein, feel free to make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the enticing aroma of buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and cheesy goodness fill your kitchen. Embrace the joy of creating a delicious meal with ease and enjoy the smiles around your table as you savor each flavorful bite of this unforgettable One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne.

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Quick and Easy Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: A one-pot wonder filled with creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican Fusion

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Green onions, chopped, for garnish
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
½ cup buffalo sauce
12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)

Instructions

Cook the chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and almost cooked through.
Season with ranch: Evenly sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and stir to coat all pieces. Cook for an additional minute to enhance flavors.
Add buffalo sauce and broth: Pour buffalo sauce into pot, stir to coat chicken. Add chicken broth, stir to scrape browned bits. Simmer mixture.
Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add more broth if the pasta appears dry before fully cooked.
Add cream and cheese: After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream. Gradually add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or simmering if needed.
Garnish and serve: Take the pot off the heat and allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Top with freshly chopped green onions and serve hot. Offer extra buffalo sauce on the side for added spiciness.