Description
Indulge in a delicious Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet tonight! Discover an easy and flavorful dinner idea.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups (180g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by having all ingredients measured and prepared—this ensures smooth cooking for your Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet. Cut chicken into even 1-inch cubes, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, and have cheeses ready at room temperature. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. The chicken should be almost but not completely cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Create the Flavor Base Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir constantly for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then add pasta. Stir well to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables and Protein When pasta is about halfway cooked, add broccoli florets and return the chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the pasta. Cover again and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and chicken is completely cooked through.
- Step 6: Create the Cheesy Sauce Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until completely melted. Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan, stirring constantly with a figure-eight motion until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 7: Finish and Serve Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 2 minutes until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish your Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet with fresh parsley before serving directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg