Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne
Spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this easy one-pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a comforting weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning in a silky, craveable sauce. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser for busy families and anyone who loves creamy pasta with a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded (about 8 oz)
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or green onions
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Chop or shred 2 cups of cooked chicken breast. If using rotisserie, remove skin and bones, then chop. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add penne pasta, stir, reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente.
- While pasta cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, ranch seasoning, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Once pasta is cooked and most broth is absorbed, pour the buffalo ranch sauce into the skillet. Stir gently until everything is coated and sauce begins to thicken. Add chopped chicken and stir again. Cook for 3-5 minutes until chicken is warmed through and sauce is creamy. Adjust thickness with milk or broth if needed.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover with a lid and let sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. For extra gooeyness, broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Remove from heat. Top with chopped parsley or green onions, and crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve hot straight from the pan.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Simmer pasta in broth for extra flavor. Stir sauce constantly for a smooth texture. Add cheese off heat for best melt. Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level. For gluten-free, use gluten-free penne and check ranch seasoning. Leftovers taste even better the next day; add a splash of milk when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, ranch chicken penne, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, spicy chicken pasta, comfort food