Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
