Name: Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp garlic (minced); 8 oz fettuccine noodles (broken into thirds); 15 oz jar garlic Alfredo sauce; 2 cups water

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There’s something so wonderful about a hearty plate of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, especially on a busy weeknight. I remember the first time I experimented with my Instant Pot; I was skeptical yet excited. What could be easier than tossing all the ingredients in and letting the magic happen? This dish quickly became a staple in our home, reducing the usual dinner chaos into a smooth and creamy delight. Every bite of tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce transports me to my favorite Italian restaurant, minus the wait time.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
24 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
14 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
540 kcal

Protein:
35 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
25 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Instant Pot

What We Adore About This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Quick and Easy

First off, let’s talk about convenience. The Instant Pot takes all the fuss out of cooking. You can have a delicious meal on the table in no time, without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Just set it and forget it!

Creamy Comfort

The creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce envelops the fettuccine noodles perfectly, making every bite feel indulgent. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings.

Simple Ingredients

Another reason to love this recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Chicken, garlic, and Alfredo sauce come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Family-Friendly

This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it the ideal choice for families. Plus, it’s a great way to get your little ones to enjoy some chicken and pasta.

Healthy Modifications

If you’re health-conscious, this recipe is versatile enough for substitutions. You can easily swap out some of the ingredients for healthier options without sacrificing flavor. Want a lighter version? Use whole grain pasta or reduce the amount of sauce!

Perfect for Leftovers

Lastly, leftovers are always a bonus! This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo tastes just as good the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks ahead. You can easily pack it for lunch or enjoy it for dinner again.

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Ingredients

When it comes to making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, the ingredient harmony is key. Each ingredient plays a significant role in creating a balanced flavor profile. You have the juicy chicken, the smooth and creamy Alfredo sauce, and the satisfying fettuccine noodles that all come together beautifully.

1 tsp olive oil: This adds a lovely richness to the dish while helping to sauté the chicken.
1/4 tsp pepper: A pinch of pepper enhances the taste without overpowering the dish.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, this is the centerpiece of your Alfredo.
2 tsp garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick that elevates the flavor.
8 oz fettuccine noodles: The pasta that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
15 oz jar garlic Alfredo sauce: The star of the show, bringing creaminess and depth.
2 cups water: Essential for cooking the pasta in the Instant Pot.

Cooking Method for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a breeze, and you’ll love how quickly everything comes together. Follow these steps to create a creamy and delicious meal that everyone will adore.

Start by adding olive oil to your Instant Pot. Select the sauté function and let the oil heat up. The goal is to get the oil nice and hot before adding the chicken.
Season the chicken breasts with pepper to enhance their flavor. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Brown the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
After browning, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This step allows you to deglaze the pot without the chicken getting overcooked.
Add garlic to the pot and cook it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. You’ll want to inhale that delicious aroma!
Next, pour in water to deglaze the pot. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon to prevent the burn message from appearing during cooking.
Once deglazed, return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the broken fettuccine noodles on top, ensuring they’re distributed evenly.
Pour the garlic Alfredo sauce over everything, making sure to cover the noodles. It’s essential that the noodles are submerged for even cooking.
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is in the sealed position. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve. I like to cover it with a towel to avoid starchy water spraying everywhere!
After the pressure is released, let the pot sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken. During this time, remove the chicken, slice it, and return it to the pot.
Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the flavors before serving. Your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is ready to be enjoyed!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t rush the release: Allowing time for the sauce to thicken after cooking is key. It makes a difference in texture.
Watch the browning: Ensure the chicken is browned well but not overcooked before proceeding.
Deglaze properly: Scrape off the bottom well to avoid any burn notices.
Use quality sauce: A good quality Alfredo sauce will elevate the dish significantly.

Substitutions and Tips

When making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, it’s always good to have some tips up your sleeve. Here are some suggestions and common substitutions you can consider.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen! Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pairing: Serve it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Doubling the recipe: If you’d like to double this recipe, ensure you use an 8-quart Instant Pot for best results.
Thicker sauce: To thicken the sauce, add a few cubes of cream cheese during cooking.
Al dente pasta: For a firmer pasta, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.
Substituting proteins: You can skip the chicken or substitute it for shrimp or sausage. Just be sure to brown sausage first.

Perfect Matches for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, there are several delightful pairings that can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions:

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad adds a nice contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies provides a healthy balance to the meal.
Wine Pairing: While I won’t mention specifics, a light white wine can pair well with this dish for adults.
Family Gatherings: This dish makes a great centerpiece for family dinners or potlucks, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Leftover Lunches: Pack your leftovers for a delightful lunch the next day, making meal prep easy.
Seasonal Flavors: Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a seasonal twist!

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. Just increase the cooking time to 10 minutes, and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before consuming. The Instant Pot will work well at thawing and cooking the chicken simultaneously, keeping it juicy and tender.

If you’re looking for alternatives, you can make your own Alfredo sauce using heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese. Alternatively, using a homemade white sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce can also work well with this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may change the flavor profile slightly.

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, simply remove the chicken and replace it with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also add beans or chickpeas for protein, keeping the Alfredo sauce to maintain the creaminess of the dish.

To store leftovers of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be good for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo truly combines convenience with flavor, making it a standout option for any busy household. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the creamy indulgence for yourself. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy with your family. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking tonight!

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

The ultimate comfort food is here! This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is rich, creamy, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with juicy chicken and flavorful Alfredo sauce, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 14

Total Time 24

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Frying Pan
Chef's Knife
Instant Pot

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp garlic minced
8 oz fettuccine noodles broken into thirds
15 oz jar garlic Alfredo sauce
2 cups water

Instructions

Start by adding olive oil to your Instant Pot. Select the sauté function and let the oil heat up. The goal is to get the oil nice and hot before adding the chicken.
Season the chicken breasts with pepper to enhance their flavor. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Brown the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
After browning, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This step allows you to deglaze the pot without the chicken getting overcooked.
Add garlic to the pot and cook it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. You’ll want to inhale that delicious aroma!
Next, pour in water to deglaze the pot. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon to prevent the burn message from appearing during cooking.
Once deglazed, return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the broken fettuccine noodles on top, ensuring they’re distributed evenly.
Pour the garlic Alfredo sauce over everything, making sure to cover the noodles. It’s essential that the noodles are submerged for even cooking.
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is in the sealed position. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve. I like to cover it with a towel to avoid starchy water spraying everywhere!
After the pressure is released, let the pot sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken. During this time, remove the chicken, slice it, and return it to the pot.
Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the flavors before serving. Your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

Tip 1: If you’d like to double this recipe, make sure you have the 8 qt IP.
Tip 2: Want a thicker sauce? Add a few cubes of cream cheese.
Tip 3: Prefer a more al dente noodle? Reduce cooking time to 6 minutes.
Tip 4: Skip the chicken or substitute it for shrimp or sausage. If using sausage make sure to brown it first in the Instant Pot.
Tip 5: If it is too thick when you reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk to the sauce to thin it out.