Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach with a flavorful ranch twist. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife, then fry it in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Step 2: Add the orzo to the pot without draining the bacon grease, leaving the bacon in. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to toast the pasta.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chicken broth and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble.
4. Step 4: Add the ranch seasoning, then cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often. Adjust the heat to medium or medium-low so the liquid simmers gently without boiling vigorously, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb the liquid.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded chicken and baby spinach. Cover and let sit for 3–5 minutes until the spinach wilts, the chicken warms through, and the mixture thickens to your liking. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or fresh-cooked chicken breast shredded by hand.
• Swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green with extra nutrients.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a low-fat cream alternative.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the orzo if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini can be good substitutes, but adjust cooking time since different pastas vary in size and texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the bacon and chicken, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal combining crispy bacon, tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach all simmered together in a flavorful ranch-infused creamy broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bacon and Orzo

• 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Liquid and Seasoning

• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Protein and Greens

• 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

Optional Toppings

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears and fry them in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat until crispy. Leave the bacon grease in the pot—it will add flavor to the dish.
2. Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta directly to the pot with the bacon and rendered bacon grease. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to coat the pasta and toast it lightly for extra flavor.
3. Add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer with ranch seasoning: Once the mixture starts bubbling, stir in the ranch seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the cream from breaking and the liquid from reducing too quickly.
5. Finish with chicken and spinach: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the spinach to wilt. The orzo will continue absorbing liquid during this time—if it seems too soupy, let it sit slightly longer uncovered.
6. Serve: Scoop the creamy orzo mixture into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired for added savory richness.

Notes

• Using low sodium chicken broth allows better control of saltiness since the bacon and ranch seasoning add flavor.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or arugula.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the finished orzo sit uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce excess liquid.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables as a side.

Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, orzo, creamy pasta, one pot meal, comfort food