Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Ranch
If you love everything "buffalo" you are going to go crazy over this Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Ranch! Tender chicken breast and pasta are tossed in an irresistible, cheesy buffalo ranch sauce. This dish is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? It's ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces about 6-8 oz.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp ranch dressing
- 16 oz. pasta such as rotini or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced about one cup
- 4-5 cloves garlic the best garlic chopper!
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce such as Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese work great
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling water, add pasta. Cook to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken and pasta sauce. To a large skillet over medium high, heat olive oil. When oil is hot, add chicken. Spread chicken in an even layer in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring. When chicken is nicely browned on the first side, flip, then cook another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
- Toss with Ranch: Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer to a medium bowl. Toss with the ranch dressing, then set aside.
- Cook the Veggies: To the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook 2-3 minutes until slightly soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Sprinkle in the flour and cook another minute.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Add buffalo sauce, chicken broth, half and half, ranch seasoning, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a bubble and cook 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: When the sauce is thickened, add in cooked pasta and toss. Stir in chicken and shredded cheese and toss until cheese is melted and pasta is well coated.
- Optional Additions/"Toppings": Chopped green onions, blue cheese dressing (or more ranch), blue cheese crumbles, extra hot sauce, red pepper flakes.
Notes
Nutrition info is only as estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator.
Nutrition
Calories: 669kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 35gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12.5gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 663mgPotassium: 555mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2.5gVitamin D: 4µgCalcium: 245mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!