Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If there’s one weeknight pasta dish that delivers creamy comfort in a flash, it’s Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luxuriously silky cheese sauce—all made in one pot with minimal fuss. It’s rich, dreamy, and absolutely guaranteed to earn you rave reviews at the dinner table!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is in its simplicity, relying on pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Every component is chosen for maximum flavor and the creamiest texture—no oddball add-ins required!

• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken until golden and adding a nice, subtle richness.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for fast, even cooking—resulting in juicy, tender bites in every forkful.
• Sea salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper: The holy trinity of seasoning to enhance every element of the dish.
• Penne pasta (uncooked): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully and cooks to perfection right alongside the chicken.
• Butter (divided): Adds silky, classic Alfredo flavor; half gets pressure-cooked, half stirs in at the end for gloss and taste.
• Water: The simple secret to perfectly cooked pasta and a saucy base.
• Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making every bite decadently creamy.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the sauce with a subtle warmth (trust me, don’t skip it!).
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: The signature salty, cheesy finish that pulls everything together.

Variations

The best thing about Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is how versatile it is. Don’t hesitate to play around—there are so many ways to make it your own, whether you’re customizing for allergies or simply using what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try diced cooked ham, Italian sausage, or even cooked shrimp added at the end for a fun flavor twist.
• Go veggie-forward: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, spinach, or peas for pops of color and nutrition.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to cut down on richness without sacrificing creaminess.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free penne, adjusting the cook time as needed (some brands work best with slightly shorter pressure times).

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

Start by pressing the SAUTÉ button on your Instant Pot. When it displays “Hot,” add your olive oil and toss in the cubed chicken. Stir frequently, sautéing until the chicken is just no longer pink. Sprinkle in your sea salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground pepper, stirring to coat all those juicy morsels. Make sure nothing’s stuck to the bottom to avoid a burn warning—give the pot a quick scrape with a spoon if needed. Hit “Cancel” to turn off the heat for now.

Step 2: Layer Pasta and Butter

Pour the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the chicken, then slowly add the water—aim for the sides and around the pasta so every piece is moistened. Top with half the butter, cut into chunks. Don’t stir at this point! Let the layers stay as they are so the pasta absorbs water and cooks evenly.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the PRESSURE COOK (or “Manual”) function and set the timer for 4 minutes. This short stint is all you need for perfectly al dente pasta with tender chicken. Once the cook cycle finishes, do a gradual quick release—open the valve in short bursts to minimize any starchy liquid spurting out. When the pin drops, carefully remove the lid.

Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Give everything in the pot a hearty stir, loosening up any pasta that wants to stick. Stir in the rest of your butter, then add the heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg. The sauce will seem thin at first—don’t worry! If you want it to thicken up quickly, turn the SAUTÉ function back on for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently as it bubbles gently.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Serve

Gradually stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, watching as the sauce transforms into pure Alfredo heaven. Add more cheese or salt to suit your taste. Let it sit for a few minutes—the sauce will keep thickening as it cools. Serve immediately with extra cheese and a scattering of fresh parsley if you like. That’s Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta perfection!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Elevate each bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese) and a shower of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Cracked black pepper or a dusting of red pepper flakes add a gourmet touch and can be tailored to each person’s spice preferences.

Side Dishes

This rich, creamy pasta shines with simple sides. Classic garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every drop of Alfredo sauce. Pair with a fresh mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette, or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli to balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, plate the pasta in wide, shallow bowls, twirling the penne high in the center. Dot with extra cheese, parsley, and a lemon wedge on the side. Want to get fancy? Serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a cozy bistro feel!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta keeps beautifully! Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. You’ll find the flavors meld even more as it sits, making leftovers nearly as delightful as the first serving.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind cream-based sauces can change texture after thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, giving it a good stir after reheating to bring the sauce back to its creamy best.

Reheating

To reheat, place desired portions in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or a little extra cream to loosen the sauce, ensuring the Alfredo returns to its luscious, velvety texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta enough for quick comfort and total crowd-pleasing appeal. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients and one trusty pot can deliver such a creamy, dreamy result. Pull up a chair, grab your fork, and dig in—you’ve earned it!

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