One Skillet Creamy Spicy Ranch Chicken Pasta

One Skillet Creamy Spicy Ranch Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that’s creamy, spicy, and so easy to make. Juicy chicken, tangy ranch, and just the right amount of spice—all cooked in one skillet. I made it once, and it’s now a weekly favorite!

The creamy ranch sauce gives this pasta a smooth, velvety texture, while the spicy kick from the seasoning brings the perfect amount of heat. The chicken stays tender, and the pasta soaks up all the creamy, flavorful goodness. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet—less mess, more flavor!

If you love creamy pasta with a bit of spice and tons of flavor, this dish is for you. Perfect for a quick dinner or when you want to impress without a ton of effort. I always make extra—this one goes fast!

Let’s cook this together! This one skillet creamy spicy ranch chicken pasta is quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. You’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Convenient: Everything cooks in one skillet for less cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy: The sauce blends cream cheese, broth, and ranch seasoning for smooth flavor.
• Perfectly Spicy: A gentle heat warms each bite without overpowering.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this comforting pasta dish.
• Quick to Make: Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings: Makes about 6 generous servings

Difficulty: Easy – great for beginner and experienced cooks

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet with lid (10-12 inch)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy spicy ranch chicken pasta to life:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch dressing mix
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Variations for One Skillet Creamy Spicy Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Less Heat: Skip or reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a flavor twist.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt at the end for tang and creaminess.
• Herbs: Add fresh thyme or chives for added herbal notes.

How to Make One Skillet Creamy Spicy Ranch Chicken Pasta — Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Chicken and Seasonings

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, tossing to coat well.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until browned all over but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Spicy Ranch Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese. Stir it around to melt slightly. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Sprinkle in the dry ranch dressing mix, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be tender but firm to the bite.

5. Return the Chicken and Add Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir them into the sauce and pasta. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

6. Finish and Garnish

Give everything a gentle stir to combine the melted cheese and sauce evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy spicy ranch chicken pasta hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• Crusty bread or garlic knots for soaking up the sauce

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier melting and smoother sauce.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to loosen it.
• Let the chicken rest briefly after browning to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Cholesterol	110 mg
Sodium	720 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

One Skillet Creamy Spicy Ranch Chicken Pasta FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or shells work well. Avoid very thin pasta like spaghetti as it may overcook.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It has a mild to medium heat. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for less spice or add more for a stronger kick.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely. Thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy, but adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately and combine with sauce when reheating.

Conclusion

This one skillet creamy spicy ranch chicken pasta is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort and a touch of spice to your table. With tender chicken, cheesy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pan, it’s a recipe you can rely on for busy nights or casual family dinners. The steps are straightforward, and the flavors blend beautifully to please a variety of tastes.

Give it a try and see how easy it is to make a delicious, creamy pasta dinner without a lot of fuss or cleanup.