One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne (Print)

Bold buffalo, creamy ranch, and tender chicken meld with pasta in a hearty, one-pot pasta meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
03 - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (28 grams)
04 - 120 millilitres buffalo sauce
05 - 720 millilitres chicken broth
06 - 340 grams penne pasta, uncooked
07 - 240 millilitres heavy cream
08 - 115 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
10 - Green onions, chopped, for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned and almost cooked through.
02 - Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Stir well to coat all pieces. Cook for 1 additional minute to allow flavors to develop.
03 - Pour buffalo sauce into the pot and stir to coat the chicken. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
04 - Add uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in liquid. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. If necessary, add extra broth to keep pasta moist.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust sauce consistency with a splash of cream or broth if needed; for a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered briefly.
06 - Remove pot from heat and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Offer extra buffalo sauce on the side for a spicier option.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a classic buffalo chicken profile, add 30 grams crumbled blue cheese along with the cheddar and Parmesan.
02 - Pasta continues to absorb sauce as it stands, so serve immediately for ideal texture.
03 - For added crunch, garnish with 30 grams crushed corn chips or tortilla chips just before serving.
04 - Accompany with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the dish.