5 from 14 votes
Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo
Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo is a creamy pasta dish where orzo is cooked in chicken broth and heavy cream with crispy bacon and ranch seasoning, then combined with shredded chicken and fresh spinach for a savory, rich meal with a smooth texture and flavor balance.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
629 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 629
% 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.