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Smoky BBQ sauce and creamy ranch blend together in this chicken and broccoli pasta that’s easy to throw together for a fast weeknight meal. You get a good mix of protein, veggies, and pasta, all in one colorful bowl, and you’ll be done cooking in about 30 minutes. Don’t be surprised if folks go back for seconds!
My crew actually found this dish during one of those wild weeks packed with after-school sports and zero spare time. Now it’s a go-to on our menu. Even my fussy kid and my teen who wants extra sauce can’t get enough of it!
Tasty Ingredients
- Salt and pepper round out and brighten up everything else
- Olive oil keeps things from sticking and gives a little extra flavor
- Ranch dressing brings in creaminess and tang try to grab a ranch you really like
- BBQ sauce gives smoky-sweet goodness pick your favorite kind for a personal spin
- Cooked chicken breast adds protein rotisserie is a total time-saver
- Broccoli florets bring in nutrients and color fresh or frozen both work
- Cheddar cheese for the gooey top that ties it all together
- Rotini or penne pasta is awesome for holding onto all that sauce
Simple Step-by-Step
- Melt the Cheese
- Scatter shredded cheddar across the whole top layer. Pop a lid on the skillet to lock in heat and let everything get nice and melty 2 or 3 minutes does the trick. When it’s bubbling and looks irresistible, take the lid off and finish by shaking a little salt and pepper over it all.
- Mix Everything Together
- Drop the drained pasta and broccoli right into your skillet. Using tongs or a giant spoon, toss things together gently so everything’s evenly mixed and coated. You want each bite covered in BBQ ranch goodness.
- Stir Up the Sauce
- Pour in BBQ sauce and ranch straight over your warmed chicken. Stir them up so each piece gets coated. Keep it moving for a couple minutes until it’s all hot and the smells make you hungry.
- Heat Up the Chicken
- Add olive oil to a big skillet and warm it over medium until it shimmers. Toss in your chicken and heat it for a few minutes. You don’t need to brown it, just get it nice and warm for saucing later.
- Boil Pasta and Broccoli
- Get that pasta going in a big pot of salty water. When you’ve got about three minutes left til the pasta’s ready, dump in the broccoli. This way both will be done at the same time and there’s no extra pot to clean. Drain and set aside.
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The real MVP here is the BBQ sauce. I’ve swapped between sweet honey types, fiery chipotle, even maple bourbon for a hint of sugar. Each one changes up the flavor and my kids definitely vote for the maple bourbon because it’s a little sweet and goes so well with ranch.
Prep in Advance
You can make this pasta ahead of time it’ll keep its flavor and texture in the fridge for a couple days. Stash it in airtight containers. Overnight the flavors actually get better! If it dries out at all, just add a little milk or chicken broth when you reheat. Warm gently on the stove or pop it in the microwave until hot.
Mix It Up
This dish is super adaptable. Got leftover peppers, zucchini, or peas? Swap them for the broccoli. No chicken? Try turkey or ground beef instead. Go meatless with chickpeas or black beans. Want more heat? Toss in hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some kick.
How to Serve It
You can absolutely eat this dish on its own but rounding it out with simple sides is a win. Pair with a crunchy salad tossed in vinaigrette to lighten things up. Slice of garlic bread goes great for scooping extra sauce. When it’s hot out, serve it a little chilled with juicy tomato and cucumber slices for a cool, refreshing touch.
Common Queries
- → Could I try this with a different kind of pasta?
Sure thing! Swap rotini or penne with something like fusilli or bow ties. Just peek at the cooking time on the package for best results.
- → What BBQ sauce should I use?
Pick the BBQ sauce you love most. Sweet or smoky both work great—just go with your favorite flavor.
- → Will frozen broccoli work?
Of course! Just toss frozen broccoli into the pot during the last 3 minutes while the pasta is boiling—it’s an easy switch!
- → How can I make this dish less heavy?
Try whole wheat pasta, lighter cheddar, and low-fat ranch if you want to make it a bit more waistline-friendly.
- → Is it okay to prepare this earlier?
Yep, you can cook the parts ahead and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready, mix it all up and reheat in a pan for that fresh-cooked taste.