Description
This BBQ Ranch Chicken & Broccoli pasta is a fast, family-friendly main course packed with creamy ranch flavor, tangy BBQ sauce, juicy cooked chicken, tender broccoli, and plenty of cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting meal that comes together easily in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauces & Dressings
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot. Once both are cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded or cubed cooked chicken and sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly golden.
- Add Sauces: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour BBQ sauce and ranch dressing over the chicken, stirring to fully coat all the pieces. Allow the sauce to heat and gently bubble for about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to combine everything evenly with the sauce and chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet. Stir to melt the cheese throughout, or cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes if you want it extra gooey. Serve hot!
Notes
- For even quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken.
- You can substitute other pasta shapes or whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Adjust BBQ/ranch ratios to taste if you prefer it tangier or creamier.
- To make it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or spicy BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 78mg