This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Chili Mac
Pin This Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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!
- 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.
- 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).
- Add the broth, heavy cream, ranch powder, and garlic powder, and stir well.
- Add the pasta and stir.
- 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.
- Cancel the Sauté function.
- Place the pressure cooker lid on the pot and turn the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
- 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.
- 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.
- When the pin in the lid drops down, open it and give the contents a stir. It will be fairly soupy at this point.
- Stir in the cheese and let it melt.
- Stir in the bacon. Mix well. It will thicken as it cools.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
RESOURCES TO MAKE Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe and More
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I made this for dinner tonight it was so yummy! I cheated and used precooked bacon. My six year old who never eats anything I make tie dinner, ate 2 helpings of this. My husband also said put this on the regular meal plan. Thanks for another great recipe, my family’s bellies are happy and full
Hi, thank you for sharing this recipe. I have made it a few times and a few different ways.
Fresh jalapeños adds a good spice to it.
When your family says MORE spice, use pepper jack cheese.
Such a good recipe that can be done quickly and also be changed on the fly.
Wow! This was delicious! I even forgot to add the bacon at the end. Only change I made, I added about 1!4 cup tomato paste (from a tube) to add just a bit of attitude. We’ll be making this often, thank you!
This was amazing. I had to use whole milk in place of the half and half. Also increased the cooking time to 7 minutes and set aside to thicken for 20 minutes. I will be making this again for sure.🍁
I made this before and it was super good but when I made it a second time (I didn’t change anything) the liquid didn’t submerge the chicken. What did I do wrong?
I’m not sure. Did it still turn out okay?
Do you precook your chicken before putting it in or do you put it in raw? I’m kinda confused.
No, uncooked. Otherwise it will get dried out. You could add cooked chicken after pressure cooking if that is what you have.
This may sound like a dumb question, but the chicken is going in raw, correct?
Yes, uncooked.
I made this for my boyfriend. He lives 2 hours away so I only get to see him a couple times a month with our work schedules. I always try to take him something homemade since he doesn’t cook much. I was looking for a chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe since he loves chicken bacon ranch pizza. I stumbled across your recipe and thought I’d try it. I was a bit nervous putting cream cheese in the pot while pasta/chicken was cooking because I’ve heard you shouldn’t put dairy in the pot. But I took a chance and tried it. And I’m so glad I did. I just had a small bowl for breakfast – I had to sample before I give it away, right? It’s totally delicious and I know my boyfriend will love it. Thanks for a great recipe. The only change I made was to add a full cup of heavy cream because I wanted it saucy so when he heats it up it doesn’t get so dry. Thanks again! I can’t wait to check out your other recipes 🙂
That’s great, Susan! How nice for you to make something homemade for your boyfriend! I hope he enjoys it.
Have you tried to do this as a freezer meal? Maybe just cook it all and then add more broth when reheating in the IP?
Hi Ashley, no I haven’t. I do agree that adding some liquid when reheating would be a good idea.
I tried this recipe tonight and it was awesome. In the recipe I did not see where to add the heavy cream but maybe I overlooked it. Recipe makes a large batch and is very easy to make AND tasty. Thx for sharing this great recipe.
Thank you! Add the cream with the broth.
Can you use regular milk instead of half and half?
Yes you can!