The Best Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a creamy instant pot chicken alfredo pasta becomes a breeze with this foolproof method.

Comfort meets convenience in a single pot, saving you precious time and dishes.

Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious sauce merge into one incredible meal.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Italian-inspired comfort arrives faster than traditional stovetop preparations, with minimal effort required.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how effortlessly rich, velvety goodness comes together under pressure.

Your dinner table awaits this delectable dish that promises to satisfy every hungry palate.

Tips for Creamier Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning or herbs before cooking to infuse deeper, richer taste throughout the dish.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Break fettuccine in half and spread evenly in the pot, ensuring each piece gets coated with broth to avoid clumping or uneven cooking.
• Creamy Sauce Secrets: Use room temperature cream cheese or full-fat cream for a smoother, more luxurious sauce that doesn't separate during cooking.
• Quick Dairy-Free Swap: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious lactose-free version without compromising texture.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Keep extra chicken broth nearby to adjust consistency – add gradually if sauce becomes too thick or sticky during final mixing stage.

Alfredo Pasta Twists to Try in the Instant Pot

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy Alfredo flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Replace heavy cream and parmesan with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that keeps the rich, creamy texture without dairy ingredients.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, roasted cauliflower, or white beans to create a meatless version that still provides substantial protein and maintains the dish's overall structure.

Delicious Sides for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Perfectly Matched Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the Alfredo sauce and balance the chicken's savory notes.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Bread Companion: Create a quick side of toasted garlic bread with fresh parsley and thyme to add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smooth pasta and absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Zesty Citrus Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Storage Advice for Leftover Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the cream-based sauce is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Is Instant Pot better than traditional stovetop cooking for this recipe?

Instant Pot cooks faster, locks in more flavor, and requires less monitoring compared to stovetop methods. You’ll get a perfectly cooked meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

• Can I use different pasta shapes if I don't have fettuccine?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or linguine work great. Just ensure you break longer pasta types in half to fit properly in the Instant Pot and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

• What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase protein and texture. The creamy sauce will remain delicious.

Why Chicken Alfredo Pasta in the Instant Pot Hits the Spot

• Supercharge Your Weeknight Dinner: Tackle a restaurant-quality meal without complicated cooking techniques, making gourmet dining accessible right in your kitchen.
• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: Rely on one-pot magic with the Instant Pot, reducing dishes and cleanup time while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Nutrition Meets Comfort: Combine protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and satisfying pasta into a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome for the entire family.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, transforming this recipe into a flexible crowd-pleaser for various taste buds.

What Goes into Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the dish.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta that creates the base of the Alfredo dish.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh vegetable that adds nutrition and green color to the recipe.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the pasta and adds additional depth to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create the rich and smooth Alfredo sauce.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté the chicken and prevent sticking.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Directions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot. Scrape bottom of pot to release any caramelized chicken bits for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Layer Pasta and Vegetables

Break fettuccine pasta in half and spread evenly across pot. Gently place broccoli florets on top of pasta without stirring.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing position. Cook on manual/pressure cook mode for 6 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated parmesan cheese

Blend until sauce reaches creamy consistency. Add extra broth if needed to adjust texture.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasonings. Transfer to serving dishes. Optional garnishes include additional parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian-inspired Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to home kitchens. Quick, cheesy, and irresistibly rich, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort for hungry families craving authentic Italian goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare Instant Pot by activating ‘Sauté’ mode at medium-high heat, warming olive oil for approximately 1 minute.
2. Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and fragrant.
4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, carefully scraping bottom to release caramelized chicken bits for enhanced flavor.
5. Break fettuccine pasta in half, gently submerging into broth without stirring, ensuring complete liquid coverage.
6. Strategically layer broccoli florets atop pasta without disturbing bottom ingredients.
7. Secure Instant Pot lid, positioning valve to ‘Sealing’ position, then cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
8. Immediately release pressure after cooking, opening lid cautiously to prevent steam burns.
9. Blend heavy cream and parmesan cheese into pasta, stirring until sauce reaches smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Adjust sauce thickness by adding small amounts of chicken broth or cream as needed.
11. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper to personal preference.
12. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with extra parmesan or fresh parsley for visual appeal.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Pasta Precision: Break fettuccine in half to ensure even cooking and easier serving in the Instant Pot’s compact space.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Veggie Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes to add nutritional variety and personal flair.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 115mg