Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the ultra-creamy comfort of restaurant-style pasta but wanted it on your weeknight table in under 30 minutes, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is your answer. This one-pot wonder delivers juicy chicken, tender penne, and a silky Parmesan sauce—all with minimal effort and truly irresistible results!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple doesn’t mean boring! Each classic ingredient in Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta plays a crucial role—bringing flavor, texture, and that irresistible creaminess you crave. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to pull off this cozy dinner staple.

• Olive oil: A splash locks in moisture and helps the chicken develop a little golden color.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking, they soak up all the Alfredo flavors right in the pot.
• Sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper: These seasonings perk up the chicken and begin to build the layers of savory flavor.
• Penne pasta (uncooked): The classic tube shape captures the creamy sauce with every bite—don’t pre-cook!
• Butter: Use half for cooking and half for the luxurious finish—yes, you want the full stick.
• Water: Cooks the pasta and ensures everything stays perfectly tender (without sticking to the pot).
• Heavy cream: The key to that velvety, restaurant-style Alfredo you’ve been dreaming of.
• Nutmeg: Just a whisper adds warmth and complexity to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Essential for salty, cheesy richness and gorgeous melt.

Variations

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a dream base for mixing and matching your favorite flavors. Whether you’re making it gluten-free, sneaking in veggies, or giving the sauce a twist, adapting it couldn’t be easier or more delicious!

• Lighter Alfredo: Swap half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a lighter—but still wonderfully creamy—version.
• Add veggies: Toss in a cup of frozen peas or a handful of baby spinach after pressure cooking for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (watch the cook time; results may vary slightly) for a celiac-friendly dish.
• Make it spicy: Add a generous pinch of crushed red pepper while sautéing the chicken for a kick of heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Select the SAUTÉ function and wait until your Instant Pot reads “HOT.” Add the olive oil, then the cubed chicken, stirring often. Cook until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink on the outside—this helps lock in its juices and ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Season and Layer the Ingredients

Sprinkle the sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper over the chicken. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this boosts flavor and helps prevent the burn notice. Hit CANCEL to turn off sauté mode, then scatter the uncooked penne evenly on top. Pour in the water along the edges (not directly on top of the chicken), and dot with half the butter.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Select PRESSURE COOK (or Manual) and set it for 4 minutes. It’s quick! The pasta and chicken gently cook together, soaking up all those delicious flavors. When time’s up, perform a gradual quick release (open the valve in small bursts) to avoid liquid spurting out.

Step 4: Finish the Alfredo Sauce

When the pin drops, open the lid and give everything a good stir. Add the remaining butter, heavy cream, and nutmeg; stir until the butter melts and the mixture looks a little thin (don’t worry, it thickens as it cools). If you’d like a thicker sauce, set the pot to SAUTÉ and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Serve

Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and add a pinch more salt if you like. Spoon the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta into bowls, top with extra Parm and fresh parsley, and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

A generous snowfall of extra Parmesan is a must—it amps up the savory cheese factor and adds that gorgeous melty finish. For color and a burst of freshness, sprinkle over chopped fresh parsley. If you love a little heat, a few grinds of black pepper or a hint of red pepper flakes work wonders, too.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta practically begs to be scooped up with garlic bread or a warm baguette (for extra swipes through that Alfredo sauce!). Add a crisp green salad or simple roasted broccoli on the side for a balanced, colorful meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of restaurant flair, pile the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta into a shallow wide bowl and twist it into a tall swirl using tongs. Finish with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of elegance, or serve in individual ramekins for that “ultimate comfort food” feel at a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken up as it chills, which means every bite stays rich and satisfying—perfect for next-day lunches or an easy meal prep option!

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze portions of this Alfredo pasta for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating; adding a splash of cream or milk helps restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of milk, water, or cream to loosen up the sauce. Heat just until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy—not dry or oily.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta for your own table! This creamy, cozy, one-pot meal brings Italian comfort home with hardly any fuss—impressing family, friends, or just yourself with every garlicky, cheese-filled bite. Give it a try soon and let it become a weeknight favorite in your own kitchen!

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