Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
629 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo
Description
This recipe starts by frying small pieces of bacon until crisp in a pot, keeping the bacon fat to cook the orzo pasta briefly, which adds smoky flavor. Then chicken broth and heavy cream are added to the pot, and the mixture simmers gently for about 10 minutes while stirring, allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and cook through without boiling vigorously.
Once the orzo reaches desired tenderness and creaminess, ranch seasoning is stirred in to add herby and tangy depth. The cooked shredded chicken and fresh baby spinach are folded in off heat, letting the residual warmth soften the spinach and meld the flavors. The outcome is a creamy, hearty pasta with a balance of smoky bacon, tangy ranch, rich cream, and fresh greens.
Serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an optional sharpness and extra richness. The dish is well-suited as a comforting, filling meal that combines pasta and protein efficiently.
Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness since bacon and ranch seasoning can be salty. Adjust cooking heat if the liquid reduces too quickly, and adding more broth or cream can correct dryness or undercooking of pasta.
Ingredients
- 6 trips Bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 2 cups chicken cooked, shredded or rotisserie
- 2 cups baby spinach packed, fresh
- Parmesan Cheese optional, for serving, freshly grated
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces (this is quick and easy with kitchen shears) and fry it in a Dutch oven/soup pot until crispy.
- Add the orzo to the pot (don't drain the bacon grease, and leave the bacon in the pot). Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the chicken broth and cream.
- Once it starts bubbling, stir in the ranch seasoning, and continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. furiously boil, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked.
- Take the pot off the stove, then stir in the chicken and spinach. Cover the pot for 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking and the chicken has warmed through. The orzo will absorb the liquid quickly, so if it still seems like there's too much, just wait a little bit longer. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Orzo can be substituted with rice, but liquid amounts and cooking time should be adjusted accordingly.
- Low sodium chicken broth is recommended due to the saltiness of bacon and ranch seasoning; additional salt may not be necessary.
- If the pasta absorbs liquid too fast before cooking fully, reduce heat or add extra broth or cream as needed.
- Ranch seasoning can be homemade for less salt if desired; the recipe uses Hidden Valley Ranch.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 629 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 629kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 618mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 551mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2322IU | 46% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 77mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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