Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a tasty, cheesy one-pot meal. This easy pasta recipe has a ton of flavor, and is fast to make. If your bacon is cooked, it is a dump and start recipe. Pressure cooker chicken bacon ranch pasta is filling and yummy!
Originally published 1/5/18, Recipe has been updated
Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
So you like bacon, I mean, of course you do, and you want to make something tasty with it. How about Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta! This recipe has lots of flavor, and is very hearty. Best of all, it has bacon in it!
Well, I was going to say it's a one-pot meal, but bacon is better!
I wanted to bring you something a little more hearty. This is like a loaded mac and cheese, with chicken, bacon, and lots of flavor!
There's always room for more pasta, and if it's easy to make, and loaded with great flavor, there's a better chance of the family liking it!
Why cook a pasta dish in the Instant Pot?
I love to cook pasta in my Instant Pot. To me, not having to drain the water, and the pasta soaking up the flavor, are the two big reasons to cook pasta in the pressure cooker!
Plus this is a one-pot meal and it is done in about 30 minutes!
Which pasta works the best in this recipe?
I like to use penne, rotini, or ziti. You can use just about any pasta, as the chicken will cook in a short amount of time, so use what you have!
The ratio of pasta to liquid is important, so make sure you are using 16 oz for this recipe. You can't go by the cup as different pastas have different shapes/sizes.
Using a nice thick-cut smoky bacon makes this recipe even better. If you don't have that kind, any bacon you have will do.
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Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta has great flavor, and is a hearty pasta meal. A casserole style dish in less time than baking in the oven.
- 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon, cooked or uncooked, cut in bite-sized pieces
- 3 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 4 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
- ½ cup Heavy Cream or Half and Half, (more if you like it saucier)
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Powder (3 Tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 16 oz Penne Pasta (or rotini, ziti, etc.)
- 2 (8 oz) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cubed slightly larger than bite sized)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, cubed
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (optional)
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Prepare all of the ingredients before you start. Cut the bacon and chicken, have the butter measured. Shred the cheese, and measure out the ranch & garlic powders, broth, and pasta. It will make the cooking process much easier and faster. Less stress!
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If you have uncooked bacon: Turn on the Sauté function (Normal/Med heat). Add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until done. Remove to a paper towel and drain all of the fat from the pot. Set aside.
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Add the butter and a splash or two of the broth to the pot and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot so you can to get up all of the brown bits (fond).
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Add the broth, heavy cream, ranch powder, and garlic powder, and stir well.
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Add the pasta and stir.
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Add the chicken and the cubes of cream cheese. Don't stir, but gently push down, using a spoon, to submerge the chicken and pasta.
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Cancel the Sauté function.
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Place the pressure cooker lid on the pot and turn the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
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Press Pressure Cook or Manual button, and then the + or - button to choose 5 minutes. Your pasta may need a different time. Usually half the time on the package directions.
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When the cooking cycle ends, do a controlled Quick Release of the pressure, just until you are sure no sauce will spew out with the steam, then turn the knob all the way and let it all out.
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When the pin in the lid drops down, open it and give the contents a stir. It will be fairly soupy at this point.
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Stir in the cheese and let it melt.
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Stir in the bacon. Mix well. It will thicken as it cools.
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Serve warm.
This pasta dish will thicken as it cools. To reheat you may need to add a little broth, milk, or water.
RESOURCES TO MAKE Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe and More
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Chantelle
I made this today I substitute the bacon for ham and cream cheese for 1/2 and 1/2. It was a hit with our kids..
Sandy
Hi Chantelle, that sounds so good!
Jan
Hubby and I loved this. The more bacon the better! Next time I will add mushrooms too!
Erin
This recipe was delicious! I added extra bacon but not sure if it made it all the way to the end since I snacked on it while the pasta was cooking 😉
Sandy
Hi Erin! I always make extra bacon for snacking while cooking! Plus, whenever I cook bacon the guys suddenly appear out of nowhere and want some! I'm so glad you liked this recipe! Thank you for your review!
Anita Nason
I made this with my 6 qt. It is amazing. I used bow tie pasta and I didn't have any Monterey Jack Cheese so I put in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup grated Parmesan. I also cooked 9 strips of bacon as I love bacon and the more the better!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Sandy
Thank you for your review, Anita. I'm so glad you liked this. More bacon is better, for sure! Lol!
Anita Nason
I think I will use my 8 qt. next time as it did spew out some. BTW, I can't rate this recipe. I give it 5 stars
Sandy
Thank you, Anita. The stars seem to have come through. Thank you for your review. You can do a controlled quick release and start releasing the pressure in shorter bursts until you can be sure that no sauce spews out with the steam. Even if you use your 8 qt, try this to make sure!
Zach
Sandy I made this tonight for my wife she is 28 weeks pregnant and loved it. O and it’s a boy. We will be adding this recipe into the weekly rotation.
Sandy
OMGosh Zach! Congratulations! I'm super happy that your wife liked this recipe (and baby). Thank you for your review! Let me know when the baby arrives! <3
Joanie
Loved it, I would like to double the recipe. How much time should I add?
Sandy
Hi Joanie, you don't have to add time as the pasta cooks in the time given. It may take longer to come to pressure though, and be really careful when you release the pressure so none of the sauce spews out with the steam. It happens easier with a fuller pot!
Cyndi
Just made this last night and the family loved it. Will definitely have to make this again. Thanks for the recipe.
Sandy
Hi Cyndi! I'm so glad that you and your family liked this recipe! Thank you for leaving a review!