Name: Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 piece boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed and cut into 1/2" cubes); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 5 cups bowtie pasta; 1 8-ounce package light cream cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon corn starch

If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy dish that brings the family together, look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce makes this recipe a favorite in many households. Plus, the Instant Pot does all the hard work for you, allowing for a quick and hassle-free meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. This is one of those recipes that will have you coming back for seconds!

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a complete experience that is:

– **Quick and Easy**: With the Instant Pot, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
– **Flavorful**: The combination of garlic, parsley, and creamy cheeses ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
– **One-Pot Wonder**: Minimal cleanup is required, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Customizable**: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients at a Glance

To make this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cubed boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2″ cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried parsley
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
5 cups bowtie pasta
1 (8-ounce) package light cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon corn starch

What’s in the Gear List

To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

Instant Pot: The star of the show, making cooking a breeze.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the chicken and measuring ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right quantities.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
Serving Spoon: To dish out that creamy pasta.

Directions: Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Heat the canola oil and add the cubed chicken breast. Season with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and dried parsley. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, add the bowtie pasta. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set the manual pressure cook function to 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a quick release of pressure.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

After the pressure has been released and it’s safe to open the lid, add the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir well until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pasta to thicken the sauce slightly. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley or parmesan if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite side salad or garlic bread!

Variations for Dietary Needs

There are plenty of ways to customize this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta to cater to different dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free: Substitute bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in place of pasta.
Extra Creamy: Add an extra block of cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

Avoid These Mistakes

To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta turns out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Using Regular Chicken Broth: Opt for low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Not Browning the Chicken: Sautéing the chicken adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Overcooking the Pasta: Follow the recommended cooking time for pasta to avoid mushy results.
Skipping the Cornstarch: This step is crucial for achieving a thick and creamy sauce, so don’t skip it!

Save It for Later

This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta makes for fantastic leftovers! Here are some tips to store and reheat:

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply microwave in a bowl, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. For the best texture, you can also warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to store it properly!

What can I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I make my sauce extra cheesy?

For an extra cheesy sauce, simply add more mozzarella and parmesan cheese during the final mixing step. Just be mindful of the overall consistency of the sauce.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into making this delightful Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta will surely impress your family and friends. Trust me, once you experience the ease and flavor of this dish, it will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Happy cooking!