Name: One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix; 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked); 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra richness); 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch flavor—this One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest. I first made this dish on a hectic weeknight when I didn’t have the time (or the patience) to clean a mountain of dishes. One pan, a handful of ingredients, and in under 30 minutes, I had a rich, satisfying meal that felt like it came straight from a cozy country kitchen.

What I love most about this pasta is how it blends simplicity with bold flavors. The ranch seasoning gives it a tangy, herbaceous kick that’s balanced beautifully by the creamy sauce. It’s hearty enough for dinner but easy enough for lunch meal prep, and honestly—who doesn’t love a creamy chicken pasta that doesn’t require multiple pots and pans?

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

One-skillet wonder: Less mess, faster cleanup.
Family favorite: Ranch and pasta are a combo loved by kids and adults alike.
Comfort food classic: Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken make for an ultra-satisfying bite.
Weeknight-friendly: Done in about 30 minutes.
Customizable: Easy to mix in veggies, swap pasta shapes, or use leftover chicken.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and soak up the ranch and creamy sauce beautifully. They’re lean, tender, and easy to dice into bite-sized pieces.

That said, chicken thighs are also a fantastic option if you’re craving something a little juicier. They add a slightly richer flavor and are more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them a bit. Leftover rotisserie chicken can also be a time-saving shortcut—just toss it in toward the end since it’s already cooked.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re low on ingredients or want to tweak the recipe to match your taste or dietary needs, here are some easy swaps:

Pasta: Penne and rotini are great, but you can use farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just adjust cook time as needed.
Cream: No heavy cream? Half-and-half or full-fat milk with a tablespoon of butter works in a pinch.
Ranch seasoning: Use a store-bought ranch packet or make your own blend using dried dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is a fine substitute, especially if you’re trying to make it more plant-based.
Add-ins: Throw in spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peas for extra color and nutrients.
Protein alternatives: Swap chicken with cooked bacon, sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives for a twist.

Ingredients for This One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this comforting pasta dish shine. Each component plays a role in building that creamy, savory, ranch-loaded flavor we’re aiming for.

Chicken (breast or thigh): The protein star of the dish—juicy, tender, and soaks up the creamy ranch sauce perfectly.
Pasta (penne or rotini): These pasta shapes are ideal for holding onto the thick sauce in every bite. Their curves and ridges trap all that creamy goodness.
Chicken broth: Not only does this cook the pasta right in the same skillet, but it also infuses it with savory, deep flavor from the start.
Heavy cream: The foundation of the sauce. It adds that luscious, silky texture that makes this dish so indulgent.
Ranch seasoning mix: This is where all the herby, tangy magic happens. It gives the pasta that unmistakable ranch flavor.
Cream cheese (optional but highly recommended): For extra richness and a little tang, a few tablespoons of cream cheese can take the sauce to the next level.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melted in at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish. Cheddar adds a bold bite; mozzarella makes it gooey and smooth.
Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the chicken and adding depth to the flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors coming together.

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil or a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build the Base

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan—scraping up all the delicious bits left behind by the chicken. This adds a ton of flavor to the final dish. Stir in the ranch seasoning until fully dissolved into the broth.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer

Pour in your dry pasta (penne or rotini work best), then add the heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Bring Back the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. If you’re adding cream cheese or shredded cheese, now’s the time—stir until everything is melted and incorporated into the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything is creamy and bubbling, give the pasta a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese on top, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

How Long to Cook the One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

This dish is weeknight-friendly and doesn’t take much time at all. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

Chicken: Takes about 5–7 minutes to cook through when diced and sautéed over medium-high heat.
Simmering pasta: Plan on 12–15 minutes for the pasta to become tender while soaking up the ranch-seasoned broth and cream.
Final simmer with cheese and chicken: Another 2–3 minutes to melt everything together and thicken the sauce to that dreamy, creamy consistency.

In total, you’re looking at 20–25 minutes of cook time—from skillet to table. Not bad for such a rich, flavorful meal!

Tips for Perfect One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

Use a deep skillet or sauté pan to give everything space to cook evenly without overflowing.
Stir the pasta every few minutes while simmering to prevent sticking or clumping.
Don’t skip the broth and cream combo—this is what infuses the pasta and creates that signature creamy sauce.
Let the sauce rest for a minute or two after cooking; it thickens beautifully as it cools slightly.
Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking—no one likes a piece of underdone chicken in their creamy pasta.
Taste and season at the end—since ranch seasoning and broth can be salty, hold off on extra salt until everything’s blended.
Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping. Stir in slowly over low heat for that velvety finish.
Garnish with parsley or green onion for a pop of freshness and color.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a one-skillet dish as simple as this, a few missteps can sneak in and affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the chicken: Since it cooks again later with the sauce, avoid drying it out in the first step. Lightly golden is enough.
Skipping the stir: Pasta sitting in one spot too long may stick to the bottom. Stir every few minutes while simmering.
Using low-fat dairy: This might seem healthier, but it often leads to a broken or thin sauce. Stick with full-fat cream or a stabilized alternative.
Adding cheese too fast or on high heat: It can clump or become stringy. Always lower the heat before stirring in cheese.
Not tasting before serving: Ranch seasoning can vary in saltiness. A final taste test ensures it’s just right.
Undercooking the pasta: It should be al dente and fully infused with flavor—not crunchy in the center.
Crowding the skillet: Use a large enough pan so the pasta cooks evenly in the liquid.
Skipping the rest period: Let it sit off the heat for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to every bite.

What to Serve With One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta?

This pasta is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with something fresh or crisp really rounds out the meal. Here are eight delicious ideas:

Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and crunchy croutons in creamy Caesar dressing bring a cool, tangy contrast to the warm pasta.

Garlic Bread

Soft, buttery, and slightly crisp—garlic bread is always a perfect pasta partner.

Steamed Broccoli

A light and nutritious side that balances out the richness of the creamy sauce.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze adds brightness and freshness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Earthy, crispy, and caramelized—these bring a savory depth that matches the creamy pasta well.

Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette

A zesty, refreshing salad helps cut through the richness and refresh your palate.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Yes, more chicken! Especially if you’re feeding kids who love crispy textures on the side.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

A springy, citrusy side that complements ranch flavors and adds a touch of elegance.

Storage Instructions

One of the best parts about this One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta—besides how delicious it is fresh—is how well it holds up as leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken, but it reheats beautifully with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezer: This dish can be frozen, though the cream-based sauce may change texture slightly. If you go this route, freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of cream, milk, or broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown for one serving (based on a 6-serving batch). Exact values can vary depending on brand and portion size:

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 860mg
Calcium: 180mg

If you want to lighten it up, opt for reduced-fat cream, use less cheese, or stir in some extra vegetables to boost fiber and volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ranch seasoning should I use?

You can use a store-bought ranch seasoning packet (like Hidden Valley), or make a homemade version with a mix of dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt. Either one gives the dish that classic tangy-herby punch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It stores and reheats well. Make it a day or two ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Will this work with gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely. Just make sure to use a gluten-free pasta that holds its shape well during simmering, like brown rice or chickpea-based pasta. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for mushrooms, broccoli, or a meatless alternative like soy curls or plant-based chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What cheese melts best for the sauce?

Cheddar gives bold flavor, mozzarella melts super creamy, and Monterey Jack is a good middle ground. Use what you love—or a combo!

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely! Just add it back into the skillet during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking to heat through, rather than cooking it from raw at the start.

How do I avoid a grainy or broken sauce?

Always lower the heat before adding cheese or cream, and add them slowly. Stir gently and don’t let it boil once the dairy is in.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! It’s creamy, cheesy, and ranch-flavored—basically a kid-approved trifecta. You can even sneak in small veggies like peas or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a creamy, cozy, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t leave a pile of dishes behind, this One-Skillet Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s rich without being too heavy, quick enough for a weeknight, and endlessly customizable to suit your cravings.

I’ve made this for family dinners, lunch meal prep, and even impromptu gatherings, and it never fails to hit the spot. The ranch seasoning adds just the right zing, and the creamy sauce hugs every bite of pasta like a warm, comforting blanket. Give it a try—you’ll see exactly why it earns a spot on the favorites list after just one forkful.