Name: Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed); Pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta); Buffalo wing sauce; Ranch dressing; Chicken broth; Cream cheese; Shredded cheddar cheese; Garlic powder; Onion powder; Olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper; Green onions or parsaley (for garnish)

This Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort food with a spicy twist. It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy ranch-infused sauce, and the bold kick of buffalo flavor—all tied together with perfectly cooked pasta. I love how easy it is to make, and it never fails to impress when I’m craving something rich, satisfying, and just a little fiery.

Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for its bold flavor and simplicity. It’s all made in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup, and the combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cool ranch is downright addictive. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein and carbs, making it the perfect meal when I want something hearty and fast. Plus, it’s easy to tweak depending on what I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
Pasta (penne, rotini, or any short-cut pasta)
Buffalo wing sauce
Ranch dressing
Chicken broth
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper
Green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the cubed chicken. I season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
I pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, then stir in the uncooked pasta.
I bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
I stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until everything is melted and creamy.
Once it’s all combined, I top it with more cheese if I’m feeling indulgent, and let it sit for a minute or two to thicken.
I garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Variations

I add diced celery for extra crunch and flavor.
For a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese.
I swap chicken for ground turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
I adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the spice level—less for mild, more for bold.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It doesn’t freeze well because of the dairy, but it’s so good, I usually don’t have much left to store anyway.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, I sometimes use leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken—just add it in with the broth and pasta.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a nice kick, but I can tone it down by using less buffalo sauce or mixing in more ranch or cream cheese.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—I just use gluten-free pasta and make sure the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best type of pasta to use?

I like using short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells—they hold the sauce really well and cook evenly in the skillet.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, I prep and cook it fully, then store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully with a splash of liquid to freshen up the sauce.

Conclusion

This Bold & Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet is everything I love in a comfort food meal—easy, cheesy, spicy, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just treating myself to a big, flavorful bowl of pasta, this dish always brings the heat in the best way. It’s bold, it’s creamy, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.