Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-orzo-recipe/
