Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and melted cheddar cheese combine with pasta and broccoli for a dish the whole family 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. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix until dissolved.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until broccoli is tender and chicken is warmed through.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Give everything a gentle stir, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh broccoli for a firmer texture or frozen for convenience; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Substitute rotini with penne or shells if preferred.
• For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or chopped green onions for fresh flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to change the flavor profile.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta in the sauce?

Cooking pasta directly in the sauce absorbs more flavor but requires careful monitoring to avoid sticking. You can cook pasta separately and mix it in if preferred.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

A creamy, comforting one-skillet meal combining tender chicken, broccoli, rotini pasta, and a cheesy ranch seasoning sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and packs a flavorful punch with sharp cheddar and ranch spices.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

• 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)

Liquids and Seasoning

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and if using fresh broccoli, cut into florets. Mince the garlic cloves if using.
2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high 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.
3. Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender.
4. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix until well combined. Add the uncooked rotini pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Combine Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and evenly combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, enjoying the creamy, cheesy ranch chicken and broccoli pasta.

Notes

• You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• If you prefer, add some red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For gluten-free pasta options, substitute rotini with gluten-free pasta varieties.

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