Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Food 🍗🧀🥦
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for an irresistible Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta dish that combines creamy cheese, savory chicken, and healthy broccoli in one skillet, you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken and Broccoli Skillet is the perfect easy pasta skillet recipe that’s quick to prepare and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe guarantees satisfaction and minimal cleanup.
2. Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta
Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring you reserve a little pasta water for later use if needed.
Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables and Garlic
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add broccoli florets. Cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Lower the heat and stir in the ranch seasoning mix, milk (or heavy cream), and cooked chicken. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add Cheese and Pasta
Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Storage Tips for Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to revive the creaminess.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Chicken and Broccoli Skillet
For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or additional shredded cheese. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This easy pasta skillet recipe is versatile and can be customized with {“your favorite vegetables or proteins”}. Check out our zesty citrus shrimp salad for a light side dish or another quick one-pot dinner.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with cooked shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and buttermilk powder. Alternatively, use your favorite seasoning blend.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire recipe takes approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Enhance your cooking with these high-quality pots and pans, making the process effortless and cleanup easy.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for quickly chopping your broccoli and other vegetables with ease.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Ideal for batch cooking or preparing proteins ahead of time for your skillet.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: For crispy chicken if you prefer oven-free preparation.
8. Tips to Make the Perfect Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; aim for crisp-tender for the perfect texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or parsley for enhanced flavor.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the irresistible flavors of this Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet. It’s a perfect blend of creamy cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli all in one skillet. This easy pasta skillet recipe offers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s also simple to prepare. With the right tools and ingredients, you’ll be serving up this delicious dish in no time — making it a new favorite in your dinner rotation. For more helpful tips and recipes, explore our site and discover a world of tasty possibilities!
Print
Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet
Discover the delicious comfort of Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet, a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with creamy cheese, savory chicken, and fresh broccoli. Perfect for families and food lovers, this one-skillet recipe combines hearty ingredients and flavorful ranch seasoning for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water if needed.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add broccoli florets. Cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the ranch seasoning mix, milk (or heavy cream), and cooked chicken. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melting.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; aim for crisp-tender texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- You can customize this recipe with other vegetables or proteins, such as cooked shrimp or turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg