Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Quick and Easy Recipe

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Craving a creamy, dreamy meal in minutes? You’re in the right place! This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. In just a few steps, you’ll enjoy a comforting dish that impresses everyone. Let’s dive into easy ingredients, foolproof tips, and delicious variations. Get ready to make family dinners exciting without the hassle!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
  2. Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
  3. One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means fewer dishes to clean up afterward, making it a convenient choice.
  4. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to this dish, allowing for endless variations.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 3 cups chicken broth

– 12 oz fettuccine pasta

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Chopped parsley for garnish

Measurement Units

When cooking, it’s key to use the right measurements. Here are the units for this recipe:

– Chicken: 2 breasts

– Oil: 2 tablespoons

– Garlic: 3 cloves

– Broth: 3 cups

– Pasta: 12 ounces

– Cream: 1 cup

– Cheese: 1 cup

– Seasoning: 1 teaspoon

– Salt and pepper: to taste

Tips for Choosing High-Quality Ingredients

To make your dish shine, choose good ingredients. Here are some tips:

Chicken: Look for fresh, organic chicken breasts. This adds flavor and quality.

Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

Garlic: Choose firm, aromatic garlic cloves. Fresh garlic makes a big difference.

Broth: Select low-sodium chicken broth for better control over salt.

Pasta: Opt for high-quality fettuccine. It holds sauce well.

Cream and Cheese: Use fresh heavy cream and real Parmesan for rich flavor.

Italian Seasoning: Check for freshness; it should smell strong and fragrant.

Using quality ingredients makes your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta not just good, but great!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. You will love how easy it is!

Sautéing Chicken and Garlic

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat.

3. Dice the 2 chicken breasts into small pieces.

4. Add the chicken to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

5. Stir until the chicken is brown and cooked through.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Then, take the chicken out and set it aside.

7. In the same pot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic.

8. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Stir to stop it from burning.

Cooking Pasta and Making Alfredo Sauce

1. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot.

2. Add 12 oz of fettuccine pasta. Make sure it is covered with broth.

3. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.

4. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

5. Once done, quick-release the pressure.

6. Open the lid carefully.

7. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken.

8. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts.

9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

10. Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Using Instant Pot

Using your Instant Pot can be fun and fast. Here are some tips to keep it simple:

– Always check the sealing ring. Make sure it is clean and in place.

– Use the sauté function to brown chicken first. It adds great flavor.

– Don’t overfill the pot. Follow the maximum fill line for safety.

– Always deglaze the pot after sautéing. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom.

How to Achieve the Perfect Alfredo Sauce

To make a creamy Alfredo sauce, follow these steps:

– Use heavy cream for richness. It gives the sauce a smooth texture.

– Stir in grated Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly.

– Mix well after adding cream and cheese. This ensures a silky sauce.

– Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that can ruin your dish:

– Don’t skip the sautéing step. It builds flavor in your dish.

– Avoid using low-quality cheese. This can lead to a grainy sauce.

– Don’t rush the pressure release. Wait for it to finish naturally when you can.

– Forgetting to adjust seasoning is a mistake. Always taste your dish before serving.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the flavor of your Alfredo sauce.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or extra cream to reach your desired creaminess.
  3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the fettuccine al dente ensures it will not become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  4. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil not only adds color but also brightens up the dish with added flavor.

Variations

Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor

You can enhance your chicken Alfredo pasta by adding fresh vegetables. Try using spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients. To include them, sauté the vegetables with the garlic. This helps keep their flavor bright and fresh. You can also toss in peas or mushrooms during the pressure cooking. They cook quickly and blend well with the creamy sauce.

Protein Options: Substitutes for Chicken

If you want to change up the protein, you have options. Shrimp, turkey, or tofu work nicely. For shrimp, add them in at the end. They cook fast and stay tender. If you use turkey, diced turkey breast is a good choice. For tofu, choose firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Each option gives a new twist to this classic dish.

Different Pasta Types to Use

While fettuccine is a favorite, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta are great choices. Just keep the cooking time similar. Thin pasta like angel hair may need less time. Always check the package instructions for precise cooking times. Each pasta type offers a unique texture and flavor, making your meal even more interesting.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

You can store leftover Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before placing it in the fridge. The pasta stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, for even warming.

Freezing Tips for Meal Prep

To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Portion the pasta for easy meals later. It can last for about two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream if needed.

FAQs

How do I make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken. You can add mushrooms or tofu instead. Both options will add flavor and protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and tasty.

Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream. It will make the sauce lighter. However, the sauce may not be as rich. To boost flavor, add more Parmesan cheese or seasonings.

How long does it take to cook the pasta in the Instant Pot?

The pasta takes about 6 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. You need to set it to high pressure. Make sure to quick-release the pressure when cooking is done. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, use Pecorino Romano. It has a similar taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option, too. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

This blog post covered all you need for making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. We explored the ingredients, their measurements, and how to choose quality items. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to perfect your dish. I also shared ideas for variations, storage, and answers to common questions.

Cooking can be fun and simple when you follow these tips. Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor the result

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups chicken broth - 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped parsley for garnish When cooking, it's key to use the right measurements. Here are the units for this recipe: - Chicken: 2 breasts - Oil: 2 tablespoons - Garlic: 3 cloves - Broth: 3 cups - Pasta: 12 ounces - Cream: 1 cup - Cheese: 1 cup - Seasoning: 1 teaspoon - Salt and pepper: to taste To make your dish shine, choose good ingredients. Here are some tips: - Chicken: Look for fresh, organic chicken breasts. This adds flavor and quality. - Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. - Garlic: Choose firm, aromatic garlic cloves. Fresh garlic makes a big difference. - Broth: Select low-sodium chicken broth for better control over salt. - Pasta: Opt for high-quality fettuccine. It holds sauce well. - Cream and Cheese: Use fresh heavy cream and real Parmesan for rich flavor. - Italian Seasoning: Check for freshness; it should smell strong and fragrant. Using quality ingredients makes your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta not just good, but great! {{ingredient_image_1}} Follow these steps to make your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. You will love how easy it is! 1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. 2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat. 3. Dice the 2 chicken breasts into small pieces. 4. Add the chicken to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes. 5. Stir until the chicken is brown and cooked through. 6. Season with salt and pepper. Then, take the chicken out and set it aside. 7. In the same pot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. 8. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Stir to stop it from burning. 1. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot. 2. Add 12 oz of fettuccine pasta. Make sure it is covered with broth. 3. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. 4. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. 5. Once done, quick-release the pressure. 6. Open the lid carefully. 7. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken. 8. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts. 9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. 10. Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your creamy and delicious meal! Using your Instant Pot can be fun and fast. Here are some tips to keep it simple: - Always check the sealing ring. Make sure it is clean and in place. - Use the sauté function to brown chicken first. It adds great flavor. - Don’t overfill the pot. Follow the maximum fill line for safety. - Always deglaze the pot after sautéing. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. To make a creamy Alfredo sauce, follow these steps: - Use heavy cream for richness. It gives the sauce a smooth texture. - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. - Mix well after adding cream and cheese. This ensures a silky sauce. - Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Here are some common mistakes that can ruin your dish: - Don’t skip the sautéing step. It builds flavor in your dish. - Avoid using low-quality cheese. This can lead to a grainy sauce. - Don’t rush the pressure release. Wait for it to finish naturally when you can. - Forgetting to adjust seasoning is a mistake. Always taste your dish before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the flavor of your Alfredo sauce. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or extra cream to reach your desired creaminess. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the fettuccine al dente ensures it will not become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil not only adds color but also brightens up the dish with added flavor. {{image_2}} You can enhance your chicken Alfredo pasta by adding fresh vegetables. Try using spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients. To include them, sauté the vegetables with the garlic. This helps keep their flavor bright and fresh. You can also toss in peas or mushrooms during the pressure cooking. They cook quickly and blend well with the creamy sauce. If you want to change up the protein, you have options. Shrimp, turkey, or tofu work nicely. For shrimp, add them in at the end. They cook fast and stay tender. If you use turkey, diced turkey breast is a good choice. For tofu, choose firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Each option gives a new twist to this classic dish. While fettuccine is a favorite, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta are great choices. Just keep the cooking time similar. Thin pasta like angel hair may need less time. Always check the package instructions for precise cooking times. Each pasta type offers a unique texture and flavor, making your meal even more interesting. You can store leftover Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before placing it in the fridge. The pasta stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, for even warming. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Portion the pasta for easy meals later. It can last for about two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream if needed. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken. You can add mushrooms or tofu instead. Both options will add flavor and protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and tasty. Yes, you can use low-fat cream. It will make the sauce lighter. However, the sauce may not be as rich. To boost flavor, add more Parmesan cheese or seasonings. The pasta takes about 6 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. You need to set it to high pressure. Make sure to quick-release the pressure when cooking is done. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, use Pecorino Romano. It has a similar taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option, too. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This blog post covered all you need for making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. We explored the ingredients, their measurements, and how to choose quality items. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to perfect your dish. I also shared ideas for variations, storage, and answers to common questions. Cooking can be fun and simple when you follow these tips. Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor the results!

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A delicious and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta made easily in the Instant Pot.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil and allow it to heat. Add diced chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add fettuccine pasta, ensuring the pasta is submerged in broth.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once finished, quick-release the pressure.
  • After the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with parsley for added flavor.
Keyword alfredo, chicken, instant pot, pasta

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