The aroma of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne will capture your senses, whisking you away to a culinary haven where comfort meets flavor. Imagine tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce, mingling with perfectly cooked penne pasta—an experience that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne recipe.
Let me take you back to the time when I first stumbled upon this dish while hosting a last-minute dinner party. Friends were about to arrive, and my fridge was looking bare. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, I conjured up magic. Now, this dish is my secret weapon for impressing guests and satisfying cravings on any weekday night!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne combines ease of preparation with a bold flavor profile that pleases everyone at the table
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for family gatherings or casual meal prep
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize according to dietary preferences or what’s lurking in your pantry!
Ingredients for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; they cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
Penne Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free penne if desired; it holds sauces well and adds great texture.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; it provides that spicy kick we all love.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch balances the heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly—it’s a match made in heaven!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while still enhancing flavors.
For the Garnish:
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and color—sprinkle generously before serving!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add diced boneless chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the penne pasta along with chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is coated in saucy goodness.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Raise the heat slightly until the mixture reaches a bubbling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Stir Occasionally
Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This is also an excellent time to sample (for quality control purposes, of course).
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once cooked through, remove from heat and let it rest for about five minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully!
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Transfer generous portions onto plates, sprinkle with chopped green onions for that fresh finish, and prepare for compliments!
This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just feeling lazy but still want something scrumptious that will wow your taste buds! Enjoy every spicy bite!
You Must Know
- This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is not just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion that simplifies dinner time
- Customize it to suit your pantry, and watch it transform into a crowd-pleaser
- Perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then set it aside. Cook the penne in the same pot, soaking up all that tasty goodness. Finally, stir in the ranch sauce and combine everything for a creamy delight!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in whole wheat penne for a healthier option or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can even spice things up with jalapeños if you love heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy and warm over medium heat until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, always season your chicken well before searing
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente is key!
- Stir frequently while reheating to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth
Sometimes I whip up this One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne on random Wednesday nights, and I swear my family thinks I deserve a chef’s hat—at least until they see the kitchen mess.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?
To make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, you will need penne pasta, chicken breast, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe Fresh parsley can be added for garnish. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
How long does it take to cook One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?
Cooking One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne typically takes around 30 minutes. The process involves sautéing the chicken and mixing in the other ingredients to allow the flavors to meld. Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki This quick and easy recipe is ideal for those who want a delicious meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Can I customize One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne?
Absolutely! You can customize One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Additionally, you could use different types of pasta or swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Tailoring the recipe to your preferences makes it a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy.
Is One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne suitable for meal prep?
Yes, One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is excellent for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it into containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion for One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne:
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a delightful blend of flavors that combines convenience with taste. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your tastes. Enjoy this creamy, spicy pasta dish any night of the week!
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing with al dente penne pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal not only delivers comfort in every bite but also minimizes cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your delicious creation. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make dish that balances spice and creaminess flawlessly.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in penne pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until evenly combined.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
