One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta 🧀🥦🍗
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, look no further than this One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken recipe. Combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy pasta all cooked in a single skillet, this dish offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or anyone craving a delicious meal with minimal cleanup, this easy one-pan pasta recipe will become a weekly favorite.
2. Ingredients for the One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta or your favorite pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Prepare the ingredients
Gather all your ingredients, and season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.
Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cook the pasta and broccoli
In the same skillet, add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Add the ranch seasoning and cheese
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, ensuring even distribution. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Return the chicken and serve
Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them over the cheesy pasta and broccoli. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk and microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
5. Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or sliced baguette. For a complete meal, you could also serve it alongside zesty citrus shrimp salad with creamy avocado. For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs or even cooked shredded chicken for easier prep. Check out our tender juicy chicken recipe for more ideas.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to select a ranch seasoning mix that is also gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare?
This easy one-pan pasta recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- A high-quality skillet – for even heat distribution and easy cooking.
- A good whisk – ideal for stirring and combining ingredients smoothly.
- A set of measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning and broth measurement.
- A pasta server – makes serving pasta easy and mess-free.
Investing in these tools can improve your cooking experience, ensuring even cooking and easier cleanup for this delicious chicken broccoli pasta.
8. Related Recipes You Might Love
9. Conclusion
In summary, this One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken with broccoli and pasta is a pantry-friendly, flavorful dish that will satisfy your family’s appetite while sparing you from a mountain of dishes. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and customizable options, it’s a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness and the convenience of a one-pan meal that everyone’s sure to love!
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One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta
Discover the quick and delicious One-Pan Cheesy Ranch Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta recipe — a comforting, cheesy dinner made in a single skillet perfect for busy weeknights. This easy meal combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese pasta inspired by ranch seasoning, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta or your favorite pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients, and season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, ensuring even distribution. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them over the cheesy pasta and broccoli. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of chicken broth or milk and microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg