Beloved BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta, packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy weeknight dinner combines smoky BBQ notes with creamy ranch for a family-friendly favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to low.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar cheese and fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, try using smoked cheddar cheese or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce. This dish is also great for meal prep; simply store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.