Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Cheddar BBQ Ranch Chicken Alfredo combining tender chicken breasts, a luscious blend of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This hearty dish balances smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add BBQ and ranch. Stir in the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, mixing well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Incorporate cheese. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- You can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like penne or linguine.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.
