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Top-down view of Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta with golden chicken and pale orange cheddar sauce.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate 30-Minute Skillet Dinner

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta features golden-seared chicken, al dente rotini, and steamed broccoli in a thick, glossy pale orange cheddar sauce. A 30-minute skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights and Pinterest-worthy food prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 16 oz Rotini Pasta 454g
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast 680g, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups Broccoli Florets 225g, fresh
  • 1 oz Ranch Seasoning Packet 28g
  • 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese 226g, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream 240ml
  • 1 cup Whole Milk 240ml
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil 30ml
  • 1 tsp Dried Red Pepper Flakes to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet 12-inch preferred

Method
 

Cooking Process
  1. Cook rotini in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of boiling. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. Sear chicken pieces until golden-brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
  3. Stir in cream, milk, and ranch seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in cheddar cheese until the sauce is thick and glossy.
  4. Fold the pasta and broccoli into the skillet. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
Don't overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant green color.