If you’re looking to capture amazing flavor and serve up a true crowd-pleaser, look no further than the Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet. This one-pan wonder packs all the creamy, tangy, and spicy notes you crave into a quick weeknight dinner, making it as perfect for game day as for a comforting family meal. Think tender chicken, a creamy, bold sauce, heaps of gooey cheese, and just enough zippy heat to keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together humble ingredients that punch far above their weight in flavor! Each element adds to the final wow factor—satiny-smooth sauce, juicy chicken, bold seasonings, and that signature spicy-creamy bite.
- Olive oil: A quick sauté to start, infusing every bite with richness and helping the seasonings stick to the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic base without any chopping needed.
- Onion powder: Lends classic savory depth to each forkful.
- Smoked paprika: Brings gentle smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping the dish well balanced.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle warmth and rounds out the seasoning mix.
- Penne pasta: Holds sauce in every tube, making sure you get plenty in each bite—feel free to use gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Hydrates the pasta and builds a flavorful base without making things too salty.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Brings unmistakable spice, zip, and tang for those classic buffalo vibes.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy, cool, and herby—it tames the heat and adds craveable richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of sharp, creamy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides irresistible stretch and balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
- Cream cheese: Ensures the sauce is dreamy, extra luscious, and coats every bit of chicken and pasta.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, peppery crunch that brightens the whole skillet.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for that burst of color and a touch of herby freshness at serving.
How to Make Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken & Build the Flavor Foundation
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The sizzle is your signal that the flavors are being locked into the chicken! Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Step 2: Add Pasta, Liquids, & Sauces
Pour uncooked penne pasta right into the skillet—no need to boil separately. Add the chicken broth, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir it all together so every piece of pasta and chicken gets coated in that incredible sauce. Bring everything to a gentle boil, soaking your kitchen in zesty, mouthwatering aromas.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and pop a lid on your skillet. Let the Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet gently simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. This gives the pasta time to become tender and allows the sauce to soak deeply into every bite. Watch for the liquid to mostly absorb and the pasta to reach that perfect al dente texture.
Step 4: Stir in Cheeses and Cream Cheese
Remove the lid and add in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir well so everything melts smoothly into the sauce, turning it thick, rich, and impossibly creamy. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes uncovered—this helps the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta in all the right ways.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot!
Take the skillet off the heat and shower the top with fresh green onions and a flurry of parsley if you like. Spoon the Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet into warm bowls and watch it disappear—this dish never makes it to leftovers in my house!
How to Serve Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and a layer of herby freshness. If you want to take the visual wow-factor up a notch, try a light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for more heat or add a swirl of ranch for that creamy tang right on top.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also plays beautifully with crisp, simple sides. Whip up a bright green salad, some fresh coleslaw, or steamed broccoli to bring contrast and balance to the meal. For a game day spread, pair with celery sticks and carrot spears just like your favorite wings night.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, pile the Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet into a big serving bowl and let guests help themselves. Serve it in individual mini-skillets or even bread bowls for a fun twist. Leftovers make an epic buffalo pasta bake—just pile into ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any leftovers (which is rare!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors somehow get even better with time.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for round two!
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Stir occasionally and heat just until everything is piping hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne is classic for soaking up sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells all work well in this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet. Just be sure to use about eight ounces and adjust simmer time if needed.
What if I want it spicier?
If you’re all about that extra kick, just add another drizzle of buffalo sauce or toss in a pinch of cayenne with the seasonings. You can even top individual bowls with hot sauce so everyone gets their preferred spice level.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy swap! Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing labels to make sure they’re gluten-free. The method stays exactly the same, and you’ll still have all that bold, zesty flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! If you have leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, dice it up and add it after simmering the pasta—just stir it in with the cheeses and let it warm through before serving.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
You sure can. Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, cooked cauliflower florets, or drained canned chickpeas for a plant-based version. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’re all set!
Final Thoughts
If you crave big flavor and pure comfort in one pan, you simply have to give this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet a try! It’s the kind of meal that has everyone reaching for seconds, asking for the recipe, and begging you to make it again soon. Treat your tastebuds—this skillet is weeknight magic just waiting to happen.
