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- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Choosing the right pasta matters. Penne or rotini holds sauce well. Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch. The chicken gives it protein. You’ll need shredded cheddar for that cheesy goodness. Ranch dressing brings a creamy and tangy flair. Don’t forget the olive oil! It helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. Garlic and onion powders boost the taste. Season to your liking with salt and pepper. Fresh parsley brightens the dish when you serve it. This mix of ingredients makes the dish tasty and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 2 cups of uncooked pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. - In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. This keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Dice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. - Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink. - In the skillet with the cooked chicken, add the drained pasta and broccoli. - Pour in 1 cup of ranch dressing and half of the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. - Stir well to mix all the ingredients together. - Lower the heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. - Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. To get the cheese perfectly melted, use low heat. After adding the cheese, cover the skillet. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly. You want it bubbly and smooth. The best pasta options for this recipe are penne or rotini. These shapes hold the sauce and cheese well. They also make each bite tasty. Consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. These spices can add depth to the dish. You can also try Italian herbs for a fresh taste. Ideas for toppings include crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions. They add crunch and color to your meal. Fresh herbs like basil or chives brighten the dish, too. For cooking, use a large pot for boiling pasta. A non-stick skillet works best for sautéing chicken. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. For measuring, use a set of measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements keep your dish tasty and balanced. A kitchen scale can help if you want to be precise with ingredients. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the other ingredients. Chicken Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavor. Paprika or Italian seasoning can elevate the dish. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic cheesy flavor. Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, just reheat before serving. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu gives a nice texture, and shrimp cooks fast. If you want a dairy-free option, use a nut-based cheese or a plant-based ranch. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fresh. Many veggies work well in this dish. Try bell peppers, spinach, or peas. They add color and nutrients. For extra protein, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage. These options bring in a savory touch that complements the ranch flavor. Pair this pasta with a simple green salad. The fresh crunch balances the creamy pasta. For special occasions, serve it in a nice bowl and sprinkle with extra parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and makes the dish look appealing. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Cooked pasta lasts three to five days in the refrigerator. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze this dish, cool it down completely. Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. Batch cooking is a great way to save time. Make a larger portion and divide it into meal-sized containers. This dish works well for easy weeknight meals. For portion sizes, aim for about one to one and a half cups per serving. This makes it simple to grab and go! Cheesy Ranch Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy and savory dish. It features pasta, chicken, broccoli, and ranch dressing. You cook pasta until tender, add broccoli, and sauté chicken with spices. Then, mix everything with ranch dressing and cheese. It’s a delicious meal that is quick to make. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix everything together. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or microwave until hot. You may want to add a splash of ranch dressing to keep it creamy. Absolutely! This dish is family-friendly and kids love it. The creamy cheese and ranch flavor appeal to young taste buds. You can adjust the spices to make it milder if needed. Plus, it includes broccoli, which is a great way to sneak in some veggies. To make this dish lighter, use whole grain pasta instead of regular. You can also swap ranch dressing for a lighter version or yogurt-based dressing. Use skinless chicken breast for less fat. Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition without adding many calories. In this post, I shared a simple and tasty Cheesy Ranch Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to prepare it. I also offered tips to enhance flavors and suggested variations. Remember, cooking can be fun and flexible. Don’t hesitate to try your own twists on the recipe. Enjoy your meal and cook with joy!

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with chicken and broccoli, dressed in ranch flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
  • In the skillet with the cooked chicken, add the drained pasta and broccoli. Pour in the ranch dressing and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Lower the heat and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once the cheese has melted, remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve the cheesy ranch chicken broccoli pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the cheese to your liking.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, chicken, pasta, ranch