One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe

This is the dinner that gets you excited the second you start chopping the onions! One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is an absolute weeknight game-changer: creamy, spicy, and boldly flavorful, with tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and just the right tangy bite from ranch seasoning. The best part? Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort—and everyone fights for seconds. Whether you’re a Buffalo-flavor fanatic or just need something easy and satisfying after a long day, this is the dish you’ll crave over and over again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything that goes into One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is thoughtfully chosen—you’ll find nothing extra, yet every single ingredient plays a crucial role. From the creaminess of the cheese and ranch to the heat of Buffalo sauce and the al dente bite of penne, each component builds flavor and turns simplicity into pure delight.

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and diced for even cooking and a protein-packed base for all the sauce to cling to.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy, spicy sauce with every forkful.
• Buffalo Sauce: The star of the flavor show—use your preferred brand for that craveable tangy heat.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds signature herby, garlicky, and creamy notes that balance the Buffalo spice.
• Chicken Broth: Deepens the flavor and helps the pasta cook perfectly right in the pot.
• Cream Cheese: Melts into the sauce for maximum richness and a velvety texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For gooey, cheesy deliciousness throughout and golden color on top.
• Yellow Onion: Finely chopped; gives an aromatic base and sweet, subtle flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced; essential for that irresistible depth and warmth.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and infusing the chicken and veggies with flavor from the start.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Brings all the tastes into focus and lets you season everything to perfection.
• Optional: Green Onions or Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish at the end.

How to Make One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook until it’s just golden on the edges. Sprinkle in the chopped onion and garlic, and keep stirring until everything turns fragrant—this is the flavorful foundation that sets the tone for all the spicy, creamy goodness to come.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Once your chicken is mostly cooked, pour in the Buffalo sauce and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the ranch seasoning. Stir it all together, letting the sauce begin to bubble and the aromas to fill your kitchen. These bold flavors will soak right into the chicken and serve as the liquid for cooking the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne right into the pot—no need for a separate boiling step! Stir so each piece is coated in the Buffalo ranch sauce, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it bubble away, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (usually 12–15 minutes).

Step 4: Creamify and Cheese It Up

Now for the magic: Drop in cubes of cream cheese and half of your shredded cheddar. Stir them through the hot pasta until they melt into a creamy, luscious sauce. If things get a little too thick, just add a splash more broth or water for perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar directly over the pasta. Pop a lid on for a minute to help it melt, then shower with freshly sliced green onions or chopped parsley for the ultimate finish. Your One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is ready to scoop into bowls!

How to Serve One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

Garnishes

The easiest way to upgrade this dish is with a handful of bright, fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of green onions adds crispness and color, while a dash of chopped parsley brings everything to life. For even more Buffalo flair, drizzle a bit of extra ranch or Buffalo sauce right before serving—totally restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving with a crisp garden salad or some cool, crunchy celery sticks (a nod to those classic Buffalo wings). Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta is excellent for scooping up any leftover sauce, so nothing goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to make dinner extra fun, serve One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne in oven-safe skillets topped with more cheese, quickly broiled for a bubbly finish. Or, try spooning it into ramekins for individual portions with a festive toothpick flag. It’s also fantastic layered into a pasta bake with blue cheese crumbs for a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to blend, often making it taste even better the next day. It will keep fresh for up to 3–4 days, perfect for grab-and-go lunches or a quick dinner repeat.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture; note that the sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but a gentle stir when reheating pulls it back together.

Reheating

Reheat One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk to refresh the sauce to its original creaminess. Stir well halfway through to ensure even heating and melty cheese in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Save time by shredding or cubing rotisserie chicken and adding it after you’ve sautéed the onions and garlic. That way, it picks up all the sauce flavor without becoming overcooked.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Sure thing! Just use a mild Buffalo sauce or cut the sauce amount in half. You can always add extra cream cheese or ranch to soothe the heat without losing that iconic flavor.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes! Penne works beautifully because the tubes hold sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells are excellent too. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different shapes may take more or less time to become al dente.

How do I make this vegetarian?

It’s easy to swap the chicken for plant-based chick’n pieces or even extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for an entirely meatless yet flavor-packed dish.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is very easy to scale up! Just make sure to use a large enough pot or divide between two pans, and allow a few extra minutes for the pasta to cook through evenly. You’ll have plenty to feed a hungry crew.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that’s equal parts exciting and comforting, give One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne a spot on your table this week. It’s a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser guaranteed to spice up any night—simple to make, even easier to love, and always a hit with family and friends. Try it once and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!

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