The rich, Creamy Cheesy Ranch Skillet is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Picture this: tender chicken sizzling alongside vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that dances with ranch flavor. Hearty Creamy Chicken Pasta Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making your heart flutter with anticipation and your stomach grumble in approval.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
- How can I make this dish healthier?
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I stirred my Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet one evening, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the chaotic dinner times at my parents’ house. Everyone would gather around the table, forks clashing while laughter filled the room. Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta This dish became our family favorite—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends—and now I’m excited to share it with you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is quick to prepare, making dinner a breeze
- Bursting with flavors, it’s sure to be a family favorite
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching addition to any table
- Versatile enough for any occasion, this dish can easily adapt to your pantry staples
Dinner guests rave about how the cheesy goodness complements the crunch of broccoli perfectly.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets for the best texture and flavor; fresh is always better than frozen. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
- Pasta: Any shape works great; I love using penne for its ability to hold onto the sauce.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: A packet adds incredible ranch flavor without any fuss—just trust me on this!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that irresistible cheesiness.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing chicken; use extra virgin for a richer taste.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic kick; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sauté the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Broccoli and Pasta: Toss in bite-sized broccoli florets along with cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, letting the broccoli steam slightly while retaining its bright color.
Create the Cheesy Sauce: Sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the chicken mixture. Pour in a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth for moisture. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.
Simmer Together: Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. The flavors will meld beautifully as you stir occasionally—don’t forget to give it a taste!
Serve Hot!: Once everything is bubbling and deliciously combined, serve hot straight from the skillet! Garnish with additional cheese or even some crushed crackers if you feel fancy.
Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet! For more inspiration, check out this Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli for a weeknight win
- It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy days, and even better as leftovers
- You’ll love how the flavors meld beautifully!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing your chicken until golden brown; then cook the pasta while preparing the cheesy ranch sauce. This ensures everything is perfectly timed and infused with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for other veggies like spinach or bell peppers. You can also add bacon bits or use different cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.
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 the sauce creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking
- Use fresh broccoli for optimal texture and taste
- If you prefer a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes during cooking for extra heat
Making this dish always reminds me of that time I cooked it for a spontaneous dinner party. Everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh broccoli provides a better texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Substituting whole grain pasta and low-fat cheese will reduce calories while maintaining flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein without meat.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a comforting, one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese all infused with zesty ranch flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Enjoy a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds singing!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (6-8 minutes).
- Add broccoli florets and cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the broccoli to steam slightly.
- Sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the mixture. Add a splash of water or low-sodium chicken broth for moisture. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot from the skillet, garnished with more cheese or crushed crackers if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
