Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food shortcut, combining creamy, rich Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in one pot. This recipe is designed for busy days when you crave something indulgent and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot locks in flavor, cooks the pasta evenly, and keeps the chicken juicy, resulting in a dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you get a luxuriously creamy pasta dish that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s classic, comforting, and wonderfully reliable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers rich, creamy flavor with very little effort. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and less stress. The sauce turns out smooth and velvety every time, and the chicken stays tender and flavorful. It’s a dependable comfort meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it brings together convenience and classic flavor in the best way. You get a restaurant-style Alfredo pasta in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules. It’s filling, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan

Cooking Directions

Sauté the Chicken
Lightly cook the chicken with butter and garlic in the Instant Pot.

Pressure Cook Pasta and Sauce
Add pasta, broth, and seasoning, then pressure cook.

Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in cream and Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add butter and allow it to melt. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly browned (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Turn off Sauté mode. Break the pasta in half and layer it over the chicken. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Do not stir.

Step 4: Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully perform a quick release.

Step 6: Open the lid and stir the pasta. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Step 7: Set to Sauté mode and stir for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish if desired and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta immediately while the sauce is creamy and hot. Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Avoid stirring pasta before pressure cooking to prevent sticking.
• Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
• Add a splash of extra cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
• Serve right away for the best texture.

Variations

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Add 1–2 cups of broccoli florets after pressure cooking and sauté briefly until tender.

Spicy Chicken Alfredo
Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Mushroom Chicken Alfredo
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding chicken.

Shrimp Alfredo
Replace chicken with raw shrimp and reduce pressure cooking time to 5 minutes.

Lighter Alfredo
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing
Freeze cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting classic made incredibly easy. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, this one-pot meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s ideal for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dish that feels special without being complicated.