Description
This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, rich cream, and savory seasonings for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 regular boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- 10 bacon slices
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 oz package Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked bacon (chopped)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shell pasta (medium or small)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare a large shallow bowl and combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the mixture well.
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once heated, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning mix and place them in the hot oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Add the bacon to the pot and cook until crispy. Then, remove it and set aside.
- Drain excess bacon grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze it.
- Stir in the shell pasta, heavy cream, and Ranch seasoning mix. Gently mix and place the sautéed chicken breasts and cubed cream cheese on top.
- Ensure the lid is secured and the valve is in the sealed position. Set to Manual and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by turning the valve to vent. Carefully remove the lid.
- Take out the chicken, allowing it to rest on a cutting board. Stir cheddar cheese into the pot until combined, then fold in fresh spinach until well integrated.
- Cube the chicken and return it to the pot along with the chopped bacon. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra bacon or fresh herbs.
Notes
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken breasts a few hours ahead of time. If desired, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken, Pasta, Bacon, Ranch
