For a quick, tasty, and family-friendly meal, Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a great option. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make this rich, creamy dish perfectly, whether you’re new to the Instant Pot or an experienced user. Plus, we’ll share tips to boost flavor and nutrition!
Why Choose Instant Pot for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, allowing you to prepare meals faster while retaining more nutrients and flavors. When it comes to pasta dishes, the Instant Pot is a game-changer because it cooks the pasta and sauce together, minimizing cleanup and ensuring that each noodle is infused with flavor. Here’s why you should make your Chicken Alfredo in the Instant Pot:
- One-Pot Cooking: Less cleanup, as everything cooks in one pot.
- Speed: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time drastically compared to traditional stovetop methods.
- Consistency: The pasta cooks evenly, and the sauce blends perfectly, giving you a creamy consistency every time.
- Flavor: Pressure cooking enhances the flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s go over the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (you can also use penne or rotini)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for optimal flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step process!
Instant Pot Easy Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step to a flavorful Chicken Alfredo is perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Cut Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into even, bite-sized pieces. Even sizing ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly.
- Season Chicken: Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but can elevate the flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic in the Instant Pot
- Turn on the Sauté Function: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and allow it to heat up for about a minute.
- Add Butter and Sauté Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot, then add the seasoned chicken. Sauté the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pro Tip: The chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked at this point. It will finish cooking under pressure later.
- Add Garlic: Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make the sauce bitter.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
After sautéing the chicken, you’ll notice brown bits sticking to the bottom of the pot. These bits are full of flavor, and deglazing will incorporate them into the dish.
- Incorporate Chicken Broth: Add 2 cups of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to avoid getting a “Burn” warning on your Instant Pot.
- Stir Well: Once deglazed, stir everything together to ensure that the chicken and garlic are evenly distributed in the broth.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
- Break the Pasta in Half: To ensure the pasta fits well in the Instant Pot, break the fettuccine in half.
- Layer the Pasta in the Pot: Spread the pasta evenly over the chicken and broth, but don’t stir it in. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Pro Tip: Gently press the pasta down so that it’s submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to ensure all the pasta is covered.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
- Close the Lid: Make sure the Instant Pot lid is securely in place and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Set Cooking Time: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer to 6 minutes on high pressure. It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam release.
Step 6: Add the Cream and Parmesan
- Open the Lid and Stir: After the pressure has fully released, open the lid and give the pasta a gentle stir.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half if using) and stir to combine. The sauce will look a little thin at first, but it will thicken as it cools.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will dissolve into the sauce, resulting in a luxurious and creamy consistency.
- Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded, as the latter contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Step 7: Let the Sauce Thicken
- Sauté for a Minute: If the sauce looks too thin, turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. The heat will help the sauce thicken.
- Allow to Rest: Turn off the Instant Pot and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools down.
Step 8: Season and Garnish
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if needed.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
Step 9: Serve
- Serve Hot: Dish up the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta while it’s hot. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy: Revel in the compliments you’ll get from this delicious, creamy meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Here are a few additional tips to make your dish stand out:
- Swap Protein: You can easily substitute the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even make a vegetarian version by adding mushrooms and spinach.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach after the pressure cooking is complete. They’ll cook quickly with the residual heat.
- Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute some of the cream with Greek yogurt for added protein.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help bring the sauce back to life.
FAQs About Making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand. Just ensure it’s submerged in liquid to cook evenly.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, or even a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version that still delivers creaminess.
How Can I Avoid a “Burn” Warning?
Always make sure to deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits after sautéing. Also, avoid stirring the pasta before pressure cooking; just gently press it down so it’s covered by the liquid.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With a few simple ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a perfect, creamy Chicken Alfredo that’s bursting with flavor every time. Happy cooking!