Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
