Description
How to make Bold Smoky BBQ Ranch Chicken Penne with tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and smoky BBQ flavors that satisfy every comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Builders
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss until evenly coated and aromatic.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in single layer until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total.
- Build Sauce: Add onion and garlic to same skillet, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute more.
- Create Base: Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes, then reduce heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream and ranch mix.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to skillet, tossing with sauce. Add pasta water as needed for perfect consistency that coats each piece.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings, then garnish with fresh chives before serving warm.
Notes
- Don’t add cream while heat is too high or it will curdle and ruin the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – it’s essential for perfect sauce consistency.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days; reheat with extra liquid.
- Toast ranch seasoning briefly in oil to intensify the flavors.
- Use thick, smoky BBQ sauce for best flavor and consistency results.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 28g