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A close-up of a vibrant skillet dish featuring spiral pasta coated in creamy cheese sauce, topped with golden-brown chicken chunks, bright green broccoli florets, and a drizzle of ranch dressing, all served in a rustic skillet with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

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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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water if needed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • 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