– 8 ounces of rotini pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Creating the Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is straightforward and simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
4. Make the Sauce: Add the ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy.
5. Combine: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Add liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or ranch dressing as preferred.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, before serving.
These easy steps will guide you in preparing this delicious one-pan meal effortlessly!