One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a meal that brings bold flavor and minimal cleanup? This One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne recipe delivers just that. The tangy heat of buffalo sauce merges with creamy ranch and tender chicken, all enveloped in a comforting bed of penne pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends, this dish is recognizable enough to satisfy picky eaters but unique enough to stand out at any table.

The Irresistible Appeal of One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne

This dish is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its rich combination of creamy ranch and spicy buffalo flavors—a familiar duo with a twist. Using just one pot makes preparation and cleanup a breeze, while the pasta absorbs all the flavors for a harmonious bite every time. The balance of spice, creaminess, and tender chicken ensures everyone will be reaching for seconds.

Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Ranch Sauce

Buffalo sauce brings lively heat, while ranch dressing smooths it into a creamy, tangy blanket. The flavors meld as they simmer, coating juicy chicken and perfectly al dente penne. For a punchier flavor, you can add extra buffalo sauce or toss in a handful of shredded cheese at the end for extra richness. The beauty is in the balance: assertive but not overwhelming.

One-Pot Cooking for Effortless Prep

The main advantage of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Sauté chicken, toss in aromatics, add uncooked pasta, and let it all simmer in one pot. Not only does this consolidate your work, but it also lets the pasta soak up all the savory flavors. Toss in the final touches—ranch, buffalo sauce, and cheese—just before serving for both ease and freshness.

Serving Suggestions for a Knockout Dinner

Pair your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten the meal. For extra flair, garnish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of blue cheese, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce. Serve family-style from the pot for a casual meal, or plate it up with extra fresh herbs for a polished weeknight dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4–6 generous servings. Each portion delivers around 450–550 calories, depending on sauce and cheese amounts. It’s a satiating meal with lean protein, carbs, and delicious flavor—ideal as an occasional indulgence or a hearty addition to your meal plans.

One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne (Recap)

By marrying creamy ranch, bold buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne, this recipe makes weeknight meals simple and sensational. One-pot cooking means fewer dishes and more flavor with every bite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and sauté until browned on all sides (4–5 minutes; it doesn’t have to be cooked through yet).
2. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Stir, scraping any browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
4. Add buffalo wing sauce. Stir to combine and bring mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and chicken is cooked through. If the mixture seems dry before the pasta is done, add a little more broth as needed.
6. Stir in ranch dressing, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra buffalo sauce as desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, blue cheese, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you like a spicier kick.

Weekly Meal Planning

This one-pot recipe is a lifesaver for weekly meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days to make it and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients from all planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Makes weekly meal prep more efficient and organized

Pro tip: When planning several meals, schedule your recipes so ingredient amounts are combined—no extra math or missed items at the store.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy a meal that is bold, creamy, and ready with minimal fuss—the One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne is sure to be a new weeknight staple!