Name: Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked); 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

There’s something about a one-skillet meal that makes dinner feel like less of a chore and more of a cozy, comforting experience. When I first whipped up this Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet, I wasn’t expecting it to become such a regular on my table — but with every cheesy, creamy bite, it quickly earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, hearty pasta, and a ranch-flavored cheese sauce feels downright indulgent, yet it’s easy enough to throw together even on the busiest nights.

I love how this dish balances rich, creamy flavors with little bursts of fresh green broccoli. It’s hearty without being heavy, and it brings everyone to the table without a second call. Plus, the ranch seasoning adds a zesty, herby kick that makes it anything but ordinary. If you’re looking for a simple but satisfying dinner idea that feels homemade and a little special, this skillet recipe is calling your name.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

This pasta skillet has everything you crave in a comfort meal: gooey melted cheese, savory chicken bites, a hint of ranch dressing magic, and tender pasta all coated in a luscious sauce. It’s a complete meal all in one pan, which means minimal dishes (yay!). Plus, it’s highly adaptable — perfect for picky eaters or anyone needing a quick dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family meal or meal-prepping for the week, it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and smiles all around.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet?

When it comes to choosing pasta for this dish, I always reach for something that can really grab onto all that cheesy, ranch-flavored goodness. Short, twisty shapes like rotini (my go-to), fusilli, or even penne are absolutely perfect. Their little ridges and curves trap the sauce beautifully, making every bite deliciously creamy. If you only have spaghetti or fettuccine on hand, they’ll work too, but you might miss out on that extra saucy clinging action.

Options for Substitutions

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is because it’s super flexible! If you want to switch things up, here are a few easy ideas:

Chicken: Swap it with turkey breast, rotisserie chicken, or even crispy tofu for a meatless option.
Broccoli: Try using cauliflower florets, spinach, peas, or even a medley of mixed veggies.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic here, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a spicy pepper jack would make fun twists.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta works just fine if you need a healthier alternative.
Ranch Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet handy, a quick homemade mix of dried dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder can save the day.
Creaminess: If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s impossible to mess up — just a little creativity, and you’re good to go!

Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for quick cooking and adds hearty protein to the dish.
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twisty shape hugs the creamy sauce beautifully.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli adds color, texture, and a fresh bite that balances the richness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into the sauce, giving it that ooey-gooey, cheesy magic.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This brings all the herby, tangy flavor that makes this skillet irresistible.
Heavy Cream: It’s the secret to that luscious, rich sauce that coats every piece perfectly.
Chicken Broth: Helps create a savory base and keeps everything moist without being too heavy.
Olive Oil: Needed for sautéing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the bold flavors in the dish.
Garlic (Optional but recommended): Fresh minced garlic gives an extra boost of savory goodness.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role, making sure this skillet is bursting with flavor and creaminess in every forkful!

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet2

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Keep a splash of pasta water — it might come in handy later to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season it lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until the pieces are golden and cooked through. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and just start to soften. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth to steam them slightly and speed up the process.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and remaining chicken broth to the skillet. Stir in the ranch seasoning and mix well. Let the sauce gently simmer until it starts to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in that creamy, cheesy ranch sauce. If the sauce feels a little too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

Step 6: Final Touches

Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, if you like things ultra-cheesy (I always do!), and let it melt into a dreamy layer. Give the skillet a few cracks of black pepper, and you’re ready to serve it up hot and bubbly.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

The total cooking time for this dish is about 20-25 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down:

Cooking the pasta: 10-12 minutes
Sautéing the chicken: 5-7 minutes
Cooking the broccoli: 3-4 minutes
Making the sauce and combining everything: 5-7 minutes

All in all, this quick and satisfying meal comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook a little in the skillet, you want to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.
Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with mixing different types of cheese — mozzarella and sharp cheddar make a great combo for both creaminess and flavor.
Keep the Sauce Smooth: If the sauce gets too thick while it simmers, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. It’ll help the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
Cook the Chicken in Batches: If you’re using a large skillet, be sure to cook the chicken in batches so it gets a nice golden brown instead of steaming.
Add Garlic: For an extra punch of flavor, add a couple of cloves of minced garlic to the skillet while cooking the chicken. It pairs beautifully with the ranch seasoning.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Making this Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is straightforward, but here are a few things to watch out for to make sure it turns out just right:

Overcooking the Chicken: If the chicken cooks for too long, it can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on it while it’s sautéing and remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Burning the Sauce: Ranch seasoning and dairy can burn if left on high heat for too long. Be sure to keep the sauce on medium-low once you add the cream and chicken broth to prevent it from scorching.
Under-seasoning: This dish relies on the ranch seasoning to provide flavor. Be sure to add enough of the ranch seasoning packet (or your homemade mix) and taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and even a pinch of garlic powder if needed.
Overcooking the Broccoli: Broccoli can lose its texture and bright color if cooked too long. Sauté it just until it turns vibrant green, and remember it’ll cook a little more when mixed into the sauce.

What to Serve with Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet?

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking for some side dishes to round out the meal, here are 8 great options:

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic side that never fails. It’s perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left in the skillet.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.

3. Steamed Green Beans

If you want more veggies, steamed green beans add a nice crunch and balance to the richness of the skillet.

4. Roasted Potatoes

Seasoned, crispy roasted potatoes are a great side dish that complements the creamy pasta. They’re easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.

5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a bit of balsamic vinegar offer a tangy twist that pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta.

6. Mixed Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad adds a light, sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the dish. Plus, it’s a healthy and colorful addition to your table.

7. Steamed Asparagus

Asparagus has a mild, nutty flavor that works wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes. It’s light yet satisfying!

8. Side of Pickles or Olives

If you like a bit of tangy or briny flavor, a side of pickles or marinated olives is a perfect way to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), storing this Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is super easy:

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it too! Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll keep well for about 2 months.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a little water to loosen the sauce back up. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Note: Because the sauce is cream-based, it may separate a little upon reheating, but stirring well usually brings it right back together.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting per serving (based on about 6 servings total):

Calories: 480–520
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

Of course, the exact numbers can vary depending on the brand of ingredients you use (and how much extra cheese you sneak in… no judgment!).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works beautifully. Just shred or chop it and toss it in when combining the ingredients.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free as well.

3. Can I substitute frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You sure can. Just thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess water from thinning out the sauce.

4. Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Definitely. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a blend of milk and Greek yogurt to cut back on calories while keeping it creamy.

5. What cheeses work best besides cheddar?

Mozzarella for melty goodness, Colby Jack for a mild twist, or Pepper Jack if you like a little kick. Feel free to mix and match!

6. Can I add extra veggies to this skillet?

Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or diced red peppers would be delicious additions to boost the veggie content.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from clumping or breaking?

Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese, and stir constantly until the sauce is smooth. Adding cheese slowly also helps.

8. Can this dish be meal-prepped ahead of time?

It’s perfect for meal prep! Cook and store it in individual containers. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to freshen up the sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet isn’t just another quick meal — it’s a cozy, flavor-packed comfort dish that feels like a big warm hug after a long day. Between the creamy ranch-infused sauce, tender bites of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate all-in-one dinner solution. Plus, it’s super flexible, allowing you to swap in your favorite ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Next time you’re staring at your pantry wondering what to make, let this skillet be your easy, cheesy answer. Trust me — your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.