Description
How to make sticky maple BBQ ranch chicken pasta with tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and sweet maple glaze that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Maple BBQ Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Creamy Ranch Base
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing Touches
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
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 generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step is crucial for getting that golden, crispy exterior we want.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, BBQ sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Add to chicken and simmer until sticky, about 3-4 minutes.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in cream, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to achieve perfect creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for perfection.
Notes
- Don’t let the cream sauce boil or it will break and curdle on you.
- Pasta water is essential for achieving the perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts in this recipe.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld together.
- Real maple syrup makes a noticeable difference over artificial varieties.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 28g