Description
A creamy, comforting Chicken Ranch Orzo dish featuring crispy beef bacon, tender orzo pasta cooked in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, seasoned with ranch seasoning, and finished with fresh spinach and shredded chicken. This one-pot stovetop meal is perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 6 strips beef bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Pasta and Grains
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Liquids and Broth
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cut the beef bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for quick and easy prep. Fry the bacon in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until crispy, ensuring the rendered fat stays in the pot for flavor.
- Toast Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo directly to the pot with the bacon and its fat. Stir continuously for about one minute to lightly toast the pasta and allow it to absorb the bacon flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Once simmering, add the ranch seasoning and continue cooking uncovered for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Adjust the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer, allowing the orzo to cook evenly without the liquid evaporating too fast.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded chicken and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the chicken to warm through as the orzo absorbs remaining liquid, thickening the dish to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken ranch orzo warm, optionally topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an added savory touch.
Notes
- Use kitchen shears to cut bacon quickly and evenly.
- Do not drain the bacon fat as it adds important flavor to the dish.
- Adjust heat to prevent the broth and cream mixture from boiling too vigorously.
- Letting the dish rest covered helps thicken the orzo as it absorbs liquid.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice finishing flavor.
- Low sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness, especially with bacon and ranch seasoning.
