Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne: Prepare to meet your new weeknight dinner obsession! Imagine tender penne pasta, coated in a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly balances the fiery kick of buffalo with the cool, herby freshness of ranch. Topped with juicy, seasoned chicken, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a modern comfort food masterpiece. It cleverly marries the beloved flavors of buffalo wings and creamy ranch dressing, two American staples, into a satisfying and easy-to-make pasta dish. Think of it as a culinary love child of game day and a cozy family dinner.

What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The slight heat from the buffalo sauce is beautifully tempered by the creamy ranch, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you coming back for more. The penne pasta provides a satisfying chew, while the chicken adds protein and substance. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This one-pot wonder comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this amazing Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (to adjust sauce consistency)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for building flavor right from the start!
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce later. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet just yet; those browned bits on the bottom will add even more flavor to our sauce!

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water is important because it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the sauce cling to it. Set the drained pasta aside.

Making the Buffalo Ranch Sauce:

1. Now, let’s create that creamy, flavorful buffalo ranch sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about those browned bits!), reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk everything together until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This might take a few minutes, so be patient and keep whisking!
3. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. I like my sauce to be thick enough to coat the pasta but not so thick that it’s gloppy.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or even a little more buffalo wing sauce for extra heat. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Assembling the Dish:

1. Now for the best part: putting everything together! Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the buffalo ranch sauce.
2. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered in that delicious, creamy goodness!
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.
2. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
3. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also add a drizzle of extra ranch dressing or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce and cayenne pepper to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well in this dish.
• Vegetable Additions: Add some vegetables for extra nutrients and flavor. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be delicious additions.
• Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, combine everything, and heat through.
• Baking Option: For a cheesy baked version, transfer the assembled pasta to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy!

This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. The combination of creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the creamy, tangy sauce to the perfectly cooked penne and tender chicken, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting meals. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.

What makes this dish so special? It’s the perfect balance of heat from the buffalo sauce, coolness from the ranch dressing, and richness from the cheese. The penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor. And the chicken? Well, it’s the star of the show, adding protein and a satisfying heartiness to the dish.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! If you’re a true heat seeker, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick. You could even use a spicier buffalo wing sauce.
* Cool it down. For a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce.
* Add some veggies. Toss in some chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrients. Sauté them with the chicken for a more integrated flavor.
* Cheese, please! Experiment with different cheeses. Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
* Make it vegetarian. Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, black beans, or even some grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
* Serving suggestions. Serve this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great as leftovers the next day! You can even pack it for lunch.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing is simply irresistible, and the creamy texture is incredibly comforting.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how you made it your own and what variations you tried. Leave a comment below or tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne! I hope this becomes a staple in your recipe rotation.

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