Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy ranch-infused sauce with melted cheddar cheese for a dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets (and minced garlic if using). Sauté until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the ranch seasoning. Let the sauce simmer until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until coated evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired. Allow it to melt, then serve the dish hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic when sautéing the broccoli or sprinkle some smoked paprika on the chicken.
• Swap rotini for penne or farfalle pasta for a different texture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Include other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it slightly and drain any excess water before sautéing to avoid sogginess.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the ranch seasoning mix does not contain gluten ingredients. This will make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivity.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 694 reviews

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rotini pasta all cooked in a creamy ranch cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together the flavors of sharp cheddar, savory ranch seasoning, and garlic in a rich and satisfying dish.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Pasta

• 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)

Dairy and Liquids

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Oil

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high 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.
3. Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets (and minced garlic if using). Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
4. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the ranch seasoning mix and simmer gently until the sauce starts to thicken, approximately 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta as well. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until everything is evenly coated and the cheese has melted. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
6. Final touches: Optionally, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets depending on availability.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
• Adding minced garlic when cooking broccoli enhances the flavor but is optional.
• Substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if desired.
• For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Keywords: Cheesy ranch chicken, broccoli pasta, one skillet meal, creamy pasta, quick dinner, rotini pasta, chicken and broccoli