Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce, it’s a flavorful one-pan dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then add the uncooked rotini pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta starts to soften.
4. Step 4: Add broccoli florets to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until pasta is tender and broccoli is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine and warm through.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, ranch-flavored skillet dinner.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning.
• Swap out rotini for penne or bowtie pasta if preferred.
• Use frozen broccoli for convenience, just add it directly without thawing.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste or to make it dairy-friendly substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure the cheese melts well for a creamy sauce.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta and broccoli may change slightly. If freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rotini pasta, all smothered in a creamy ranch and cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly on the stovetop and delivers rich flavors with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Dairy

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Pantry Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Add Liquids: In the same skillet, add minced garlic if using, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add the uncooked rotini pasta and broccoli florets directly into the skillet with the simmering liquid. Stir to submerge the pasta, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the broccoli is cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Seasoning and Cheese: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the pasta and broccoli mixture. Stir well to distribute the seasoning. Then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine Chicken and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a comforting, all-in-one meal.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets depending on availability; frozen should be thawed slightly before cooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
• If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, substitute sharp cheddar with mild cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to avoid sticking to the skillet base.
• This dish can be customized with other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Keywords: cheesy ranch chicken, broccoli pasta skillet, one pan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner skillet, ranch seasoning recipe