Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and if using fresh broccoli, cut into florets. Mince the garlic cloves if using.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
