Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Quick & Creamy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the magic of a truly effortless and unbelievably delicious dinner with this **Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo** recipe. It delivers a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly tender pasta, and succulent, juicy chicken, all ready in a flash with minimal hands-on effort from you. Say goodbye to the dinner dilemma and hello to a family favorite that comes together in less than 35 minutes!
The nightly struggle to get a wholesome, satisfying dinner on the table is a reality for many. Between advanced planning, extensive prep work, and the sheer time investment, not to mention navigating the preferences of picky eaters, some evenings feel like an uphill battle. This is precisely where the convenience and culinary brilliance of this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo comes into play. It requires very little active cooking, as your trusty pressure cooker handles the bulk of the work, leaving you with a delicious and comforting meal that the entire family will adore.
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the pasta shape to whatever you have in your pantry or whatever your family prefers – from classic fettuccine to fun short-cut varieties. What’s more, this Instant Pot version isn’t quite as heavy as many traditional Alfredo recipes. Because the pasta cooks directly in the Instant Pot alongside chicken broth and water, less heavy cream is needed to achieve that luxurious texture. This ingenious method still yields a remarkably rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious pasta dish, offering a slightly lighter yet equally indulgent experience.
Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Effortlessly Hands-Off – After a quick searing of the chicken and mincing a few garlic cloves (unless you opt for pre-minced from the store), the Instant Pot takes over almost entirely. This means no constant stirring at the stove, no worrying about your Alfredo sauce boiling over or scorching, and more time for you to relax or attend to other tasks. It’s the definition of a low-stress dinner solution.
- Guaranteed Kid-Friendly – Pasta is almost universally loved by children, and a creamy pasta dish is often at the top of their favorites list. This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a surefire hit, designed to please even the pickiest eaters. To boost the nutritional value, you can easily incorporate finely chopped vegetables, such as cooked broccoli florets or a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in after cooking), ensuring your family gets their greens without a fuss.
- Incredibly Fast – The actual pressure cooking time for the pasta and chicken is an astonishing 6 minutes! While the Instant Pot does require some time to come up to pressure (typically 10-15 minutes), the entire meal is typically ready in about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. This includes a mere 5-10 minutes of active prep and cooking from your side, making it an ideal choice for the busiest weeknights.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For the complete recipe and measurements, make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and tender choice. For a slightly richer flavor, boneless chicken thighs can also be used, offering more juiciness.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and later, the sauce. Don’t underestimate their importance!
- Onion Powder – Adds a subtle, savory depth to the chicken seasoning, complementing the garlic.
- Garlic Powder – A fundamental seasoning that infuses the chicken with classic aromatic notes.
- Oil – A high-heat oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil is perfect for searing the chicken and building a flavorful base in the Instant Pot.
- Dried Pasta – While linguini was used in the original recipe, any dried pasta works beautifully. This includes long cuts like fettuccine or spaghetti (broken in half) or short-cut pastas such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. The key is to ensure it cooks evenly in the pressure cooker.
- Chicken Broth – This forms the primary cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with flavor from the start. Using low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, seasoning to your preference.
- Water – Combined with the chicken broth, water provides the necessary liquid for the pasta to cook perfectly al dente in the Instant Pot.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds an unparalleled aromatic punch to the Alfredo sauce. While garlic powder seasons the chicken, fresh garlic elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- Heavy Cream – The star ingredient for that signature rich, velvety Alfredo texture. Adding it at the end prevents curdling during pressure cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese – For the absolute best results, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and melt of your sauce. Freshly grated melts smoothly and delivers a superior, nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step: How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Sear the Chicken: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on high. Once hot, add the oil. Season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned chicken into the hot oil and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor; the chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta Base: If using a long-cut pasta like linguini or fettuccine, break it in half to ensure it fits and cooks evenly. Add the broken pasta to the bottom of the Instant Pot, spreading it out as much as possible. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the minced garlic. Use tongs or a spoon to gently separate the pasta strands and ensure they are submerged in the liquid and not clumped together. This helps prevent uneven cooking and potential “burn” notices.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back on top of the pasta. Do not stir. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, lock it into place, and make sure the venting knob is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook” on newer models) on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Once the 6 minutes of pressure cooking are complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the venting knob to “Venting.” Be cautious of the steam. After the pressure has fully released and the float valve drops, unlock and remove the lid. Immediately remove the cooked chicken breasts. Pour in the heavy cream and the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce gently until the cheese has melted and the cream is fully incorporated, creating a luxurious, smooth sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes; the sauce will thicken as it rests.
- Combine and Season: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips, depending on your preference. Return the sliced chicken to the pasta in the Instant Pot. Toss everything together to thoroughly combine the chicken, pasta, and the luscious Alfredo sauce. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce has achieved your desired creamy consistency, the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is ready to be served. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Keep the Chicken Whole for Tenderness: It’s best to leave the chicken breasts whole during the pressure cooking process. Slicing them after they are cooked ensures they remain juicy and tender, preventing them from becoming dry or overdone by the time the pasta reaches al dente perfection.
- Prevent Pasta Clumping: Whether you’re using long or short-cut pasta, it’s crucial to really mix and separate the pasta strands as well as you can before you begin cooking. Use tongs to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and not stuck together in clumps at the bottom of the pot. This significantly improves even cooking and prevents gummy spots.
- Boost with Veggies: Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to make this dish more nutritious. Broccoli florets are a popular choice. For best results, I recommend cooking vegetables like broccoli, peas, or sliced bell peppers separately (steamed or lightly sautéed) and stirring them into the pasta dish along with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese after the pressure cooking cycle. This maintains their texture and vibrant color.
- Season Thoughtfully: While you’ll season the chicken at the start, remember to taste and season the finished Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper as well. The amount needed can vary based on your broth’s sodium content and personal preference. For an extra layer of flavor and a slight kick, I often top individual servings with a few red pepper flakes.
- Shred Your Own Parmesan: This tip makes a surprisingly big difference! While pre-shredded Parmesan cheese is convenient, shredding your own from a block of high-quality Parmesan will elevate your Alfredo to a whole new level. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a far superior, authentic flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip Deglazing: After browning the chicken, if there are any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot, add a splash of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape them up. This process, known as deglazing, adds incredible flavor to your sauce and prevents the dreaded “burn” notice during pressure cooking.
- Add Cream and Cheese Last: Always add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese *after* the pressure cooking cycle is complete and the pressure has been released. Dairy products, especially cream and cheese, can curdle or cause a “burn” notice if cooked under high pressure. Adding them at the end ensures a silky-smooth, perfectly emulsified sauce.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, be aware that the sauce may not be as creamy as when freshly made, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid. To restore its luscious texture, add a splash of extra heavy cream, milk, or even a little chicken broth before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Perfect Pairings: What Goes With Chicken Alfredo
- Garlic Bread – A classic companion, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Tossed Salad – A crisp, fresh green salad offers a wonderful contrast to the rich pasta, adding lightness and freshness to the meal.
- Olive Garden Breadsticks – For a restaurant-quality experience at home, warm, buttery breadsticks are always a hit.
- Roasted Asparagus – The slightly bitter and earthy notes of roasted asparagus beautifully complement the creamy Alfredo.
Explore More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Meatballs
- Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1 pound dried pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot on high and add in the oil to get hot. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and brown for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove.1 pound boneless chicken breasts, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon oil, Salt & Pepper
- If you are using a long cut pasta like linguini, break the pasta in half and add to the bottom of the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and add the garlic. Use a tongs to really break up the pasta and make sure it is not in clumps together.1 pound dried pasta, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups water, 3 cloves garlic
- Put the chicken breasts back on the top. Put the lid on, lock, and change to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
- After the 6 minutes are up, quick release your Instant Pot to unlock. Remove the chicken from the top, pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix to combine and let sit for a few minutes.1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Slice your chicken and add back to the pasta. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the sauce has thickened a little, it is ready to serve. Top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weeknight lifesaver, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a perennial family favorite, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to be time-consuming. We hope you enjoy bringing this comforting dish to your table!
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