If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that seriously delivers on flavor and weeknight ease, meet your new go-to: Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet. This dish is the definition of comfort food with a twist — tender bites of juicy chicken, spiral pasta, and a ridiculously creamy buffalo-ranch sauce all come together in under 30 minutes for a meal that will make your taste buds dance. Every bite packs that classic tangy heat from buffalo sauce, perfectly mellowed by ranch and rich cheeses. It’s hearty, utterly satisfying, and guaranteed to turn even the busiest Tuesday night into a mini celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is refreshingly short but powerful. Every item here is chosen for what it brings to the table, whether it’s the punch of seasoning, the creamy finish, or the vibrant color. Nothing is extra — all are essential for making this Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet unforgettable.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Go for bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and soak up all those saucy flavors.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds depth and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the skillet.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (2 tsp): Delivers those crave-worthy, herby ranch undertones throughout the dish.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the savoriness and gives the sauce extra punch.
- Penne or Rotini Pasta (8 oz): The spirals or tubes catch every bit of creamy, spicy sauce.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups): The liquid base that infuses the pasta and chicken with even more flavor as it cooks.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce (1/2 cup): For that iconic spicy-tangy kick — choose your favorite brand!
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (1/2 cup): Makes everything silky and brings balance to the heat.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts right into the sauce, giving it richness and a gorgeous orange color.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds stretch and gooeyness for ultimate comfort factor.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): An essential finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust at the end to perfectly dial in the flavors.
How to Make Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until it’s under al dente. The pasta will finish cooking right in the skillet with the sauce, which makes it even more flavorful. Drain and set aside — you’re already halfway to dinner magic!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is working its magic, heat up your skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, then sprinkle them with ranch seasoning and garlic powder. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. The aroma of ranch and garlic will fill your kitchen in the best way possible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Combine
Turn the heat down to medium. Stir in the chicken broth and buffalo sauce, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add your drained pasta right into the skillet, and let everything simmer for 3 or 4 minutes. The pasta will soak up all that saucy goodness and cook to perfection in the process!
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Now comes the luscious part — stir in the heavy cream along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Keep mixing until the cheeses melt and the sauce turns creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible. Don’t walk away: this is the grand transformation that makes Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet so special.
Step 5: Taste, Finish, Serve
Give everything a quick taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Sprinkle on the sliced green onions for a fresh contrast and vibrant look. Serve it up hot, straight from the skillet — this pasta loves being the star of the table!
How to Serve Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
This skillet is a showstopper on its own, but a few final flourishes make it pop. Try a scattering of extra green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce over the top. A little crumbled blue cheese adds a funky, creamy contrast if you love that classic buffalo pairing.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and let your Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet shine. Pair with a crunchy green salad tossed in ranch dressing, or serve alongside some crisp celery and carrot sticks for a nod to your favorite wings. Garlic bread also makes a stellar companion for scooping up all that extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy (or just want to switch things up), spoon the pasta into individual ramekins and broil for a few minutes to create a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Or, nestle it in a giant platter, family-style, with all the garnishes in little bowls so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be cooled to room temperature and transferred to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3–4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch is even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet, let it cool completely and pack it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, as this helps keep the sauce creamy when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, splash in a little milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce, then warm on the stovetop over gentle heat, stirring often. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is heated through. The creamy sauce revives perfectly and tastes freshly made!
FAQs
Can I make this with other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini soak up the sauce perfectly, feel free to swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells — whatever you have on hand will work.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Of course! Choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the buffalo sauce quantity, adding more cream to smooth things out. You can even serve extra ranch dressing on the side for added coolness.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely. Try cooked rotisserie chicken for even faster prep, or substitute with turkey, shrimp, or even plant-based tenders for a vegetarian twist — just adjust cook times as needed.
What cheeses work besides cheddar and mozzarella?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack make great melty alternatives. You can also add a bit of blue cheese or feta as a topping for another kick.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Throw in a handful of spinach, chopped celery, or some steamed broccoli along with the pasta and sauce for a nutritious boost. The beauty of Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is its adaptability.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet — it’s fuss-free, fantastically flavorful, and always guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this skillet delivers warmth, spice, and major comfort in every spoonful. I hope you give it a try and let it become a favorite in your own kitchen too!
Print
Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is a creamy and flavorful one-pot pasta dish that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the coolness of ranch seasoning. Tender chicken, gooey cheeses, and al dente pasta come together for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
Liquid:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, season with ranch mix and garlic powder, cook until golden.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in chicken broth and buffalo sauce, then add pasta. Simmer until pasta is cooked. Mix in cream and cheeses until creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, top with green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Add spinach or celery for extra veggies.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
