Sizzling One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a delectable one-pot buffalo ranch chicken penne promises an explosion of zesty flavors that’ll make dinner feel like a celebration.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with spicy undertones, creating a meal that sparks instant excitement.

Busy home cooks can rejoice in this streamlined recipe that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tangy buffalo sauce and cool ranch seasoning.

Quick and effortless preparation means you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing pasta that brings serious flavor without complicated techniques.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite of this irresistible one-pot wonder.

Reheat Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Side Matches

• Pair with Crisp Ranch Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with ranch dressing to complement the spicy buffalo chicken penne, adding cool crunch and balancing the dish's heat.
• Sip Blue Cheese Beer Pairing: Choose a light lager or wheat beer with blue cheese undertones, which perfectly matches the buffalo and ranch flavors while cutting through the richness.
• Cool Down with Creamy Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing side dish with diced cucumbers, sour cream, and dill to provide a cooling contrast to the spicy pasta's intense profile.
• Serve Alongside Zesty Garlic Bread: Toast french bread with garlic butter and sprinkle with herbs, offering a crispy companion that soaks up the buffalo sauce's delicious flavors.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Flavor Updates

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternative, keeping the buffalo ranch flavor profile intact.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free penne pasta and verify that ranch seasoning is gluten-free, ensuring all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute butter with olive oil, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and select a vegan ranch seasoning packet for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the spicy buffalo ranch sauce and protein components.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce you use. For milder version, use less hot sauce or choose a mild variety. For extra kick, add more hot sauce or use a spicier brand.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or meat substitute. Adjust cooking liquid and seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor profile.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, reduced-sodium broth, and low-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Buffalo Ranch Penne That’s Cheesy and Spicy

• Quick Cleanup Champion: Single-pot cooking means minimal dishes and fast kitchen cleanup, saving precious time after a busy day.
• Spice Level Control: Easily adjust hot sauce quantities to make the dish mild or fiery, perfect for accommodating different taste preferences within the family.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Combines kid-pleasing pasta with zesty buffalo ranch flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both adults and children.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a delicious meal without requiring extensive cooking skills or long preparation time.

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main body of the dish, choose boneless skinless chicken for easy cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance chicken's natural flavor.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta that absorbs flavors well, choose regular or whole wheat variety.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth to the dish, low sodium broth works best.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds moisture, tanginess, and mild heat to the recipe.

• Butter: Creates rich base and helps with initial chicken cooking, unsalted butter recommended.
• Hot Sauce: Brings spicy kick and signature buffalo flavor, adjust according to heat preference.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds creamy, herbal notes to complete the buffalo ranch profile.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that provides extra richness and melty texture.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Instructions in One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Chunks

Heat up a spacious pot or Dutch oven and melt butter over medium flame.

Toss in chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully done, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Penne pasta
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Hot sauce
• Ranch seasoning

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Let Magic Happen

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking.

The pasta should become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Finish With Cheesy Goodness

Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Optional but delicious: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of creamy deliciousness.

Serve hot and enjoy your spicy, creamy one-pot wonder!

Pasta Tips for Buffalo Ranch Chicken That Delivers

• Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even heat distribution.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors well.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow residual heat to melt cheese naturally and create a creamy texture.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, and use low-sodium broth for healthier variations.

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and creamy one-pot buffalo ranch chicken penne delivers a flavor explosion that combines zesty buffalo sauce with cool ranch dressing. Hearty pasta and tender chicken create a quick weeknight meal that satisfies comfort food cravings in just one skillet.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 12 ounces (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 packet ranch seasoning

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 (10 ounces/283 g) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (57 g) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a spacious pot, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking. Enhance flavor with a light seasoning of salt and black pepper.
2. Introduce penne pasta directly into the pot alongside diced tomatoes with green chilies, including their natural juices. Pour in chicken broth, creating a vibrant liquid base.
3. Infuse the mixture with tangy hot sauce and zesty ranch seasoning, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly across all ingredients.
4. Elevate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, allowing ingredients to meld and pasta to tenderize, stirring intermittently to prevent adherence to pot surfaces.
5. Monitor pasta’s texture, aiming for a perfectly al dente consistency. This typically requires 15-18 minutes of patient simmering.
6. Once pasta reaches ideal tenderness, remove from heat source and allow the dish to rest briefly, enabling sauce to thicken and flavors to harmonize.
7. Optional final touch: Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a melty, indulgent topping that complements the spicy, creamy profile of the dish.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity to suit different spice tolerances.
• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version with identical flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• For creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese during final minutes of cooking to enhance richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg