BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is the perfect one-skillet solution for busy weeknights. Packed with bold flavor, this creamy pasta combines smoky barbecue sauce, tangy ranch, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese into one delicious, family-friendly dish. It’s fast, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes: quick prep, minimal cleanup, and a flavor combo that’s anything but ordinary. The creamy BBQ ranch sauce gives it a unique zing, while the broccoli and chicken add balance and substance. Everything comes together in a single pan, making it a perfect comfort meal that doesn’t sacrifice convenience.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 oz rotini or penne pasta (approximately 4 cups cooked)
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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½ cup ranch dressing
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup milk or cream
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if sautéing chicken)
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Salt and pepper to taste
directions
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Cook the pasta and broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the chicken (if not pre-cooked):
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully cooked through. Set aside. -
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, combine the barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and milk (or cream). Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through. -
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce. Toss to combine and coat evenly. -
Add cheese:
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. -
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or a drizzle of BBQ sauce, if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Calories: About 450–500 kcal per serving
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or use spicy BBQ sauce.
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Meat Swap: Use pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, or leftover turkey.
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Cheese Blend: Mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
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Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes for more variety.
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Baked Finish: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, add it directly to the pasta water in the last few minutes of boiling.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite variety—smoky, sweet, or spicy depending on your taste preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything except the cheese and store it. Reheat and stir in cheese just before serving.
Is ranch dressing necessary?
Ranch is key to the flavor, but you can substitute with sour cream and herbs in a pinch.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and add extra veggies or meat alternatives.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short, sturdy pastas like rotini, penne, or shells work best for holding the creamy sauce.
Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe is great for using up cooked chicken.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and light ranch dressing.
What cheese melts best for this dish?
Cheddar is ideal for flavor and melt, but mozzarella or a blend can also be used.
Can I bake this into a casserole?
Yes, assemble, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Conclusion
BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is a bold, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With smoky, creamy flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner to shake up your routine. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Print
BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta – Weeknight Comfort in 30 Mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavor-packed one-skillet dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and bold BBQ ranch sauce, it’s a guaranteed family favorite ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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12 oz rotini or penne pasta (≈4 cups cooked)
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce
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1/2 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup milk
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped green onions or crispy bacon for garnish
Instructions
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Cook Pasta & Broccoli:
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Boil pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli. Drain and set aside.
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Combine Sauce:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
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Stir in BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and milk. Heat until bubbly.
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Add Chicken & Cheese:
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Stir in cooked chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
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Toss Pasta:
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Add cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
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Serve:
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Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions or bacon if desired. Serve hot.
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Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
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Swap broccoli with peas or bell peppers if preferred.
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Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
