Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. My journey with Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo started on a chilly evening when I craved a meal that was both hearty and quick to prepare. With my Instant Pot at the ready, I realized I could achieve that creamy goodness without hours of slaving over the stove. As the steam rose and the aroma filled my kitchen, I could hardly wait to dive into a bowl of tender chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich, decadent sauce. This dish quickly became a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Recipe Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

The true magic of Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The core components work harmoniously to create a rich and creamy sauce that clings to every strand of fettuccine. You’ll find that each ingredient plays an important role, from the juicy chicken to the luscious heavy cream, making this dish a well-balanced meal that’s easy to whip up after a long day.

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced) – This lean protein forms the hearty base of the dish, soaking up the flavors from the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic powder, contributing a sweet and savory profile.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided) – Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta, ensuring a well-rounded flavor.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper – A touch of spice that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing the chicken, adding richness and helping to achieve a beautiful golden color.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Infuses the dish with moisture and flavor, ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly.
• 3½ cups water – Necessary for cooking the pasta in the Instant Pot.
• 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta – The classic choice for Alfredo, offering a delightful texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The star of the dish, creating a rich and indulgent sauce.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the creamy sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic (grated) – Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s flavor, giving it a homemade touch.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – A visually appealing finishing touch that adds a burst of freshness.

Step by Step Guide for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a straightforward process that will leave you amazed at how quickly dinner can come together. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into the process and enjoy the journey of creating this creamy pasta dish.

1. Season the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ground black pepper. Make sure each breast is well coated with the spices; this will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
2. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmer slightly. This is important for getting a good sear on the chicken.
3. Once the oil is hot, add in the seasoned chicken breasts. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it onto a plate. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to rest while you prepare the rest of the dish.
5. Next, add the chicken broth, water, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to the pot. Stir well to combine. Breaking the fettuccine noodles in half, add them to the liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, placing it on top of the pasta. This will enhance the flavors as everything cooks together.
7. Press the Cancel button, then press the Manual button and set the timer for 6 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing so that the pot can build pressure.
8. When the cook time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. This ensures the pasta does not overcook and become mushy.
9. Remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Slice them into strips for serving. This step enhances presentation and makes it easier to serve.
10. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and grated garlic into the pot. Stir everything together to create a luscious sauce. The Parmesan should melt into the sauce, thickening it beautifully.
11. Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to let the excess liquid absorb. This is the perfect time to adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
12. Serve the pasta with the sliced chicken on top. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese makes for a gorgeous presentation. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo!

Tips and Variations

There are plenty of ways to make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo your own! Here are some tips and variations to consider when preparing this delicious meal.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp green salad complements the richness of the Alfredo.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add in some steamed broccoli or peas for an added nutritional boost and a pop of color!
• Cajun Twist: For a spicy kick, mix in some Cajun seasoning with the spices on the chicken.
• Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have fettuccine, any long pasta can be used, such as linguine or spaghetti.

Great Combinations for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, there are endless possibilities to create a well-rounded meal. Consider these great combinations:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, warm garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad balances the richness of the Alfredo.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus adds color and nutrition, making your plate more vibrant.
• Wine Pairing: While I can’t suggest specific wines, a light white wine can complement the flavors beautifully.
• Special Occasion Dinners: This dish is ideal for date nights or family gatherings, bringing everyone together over a comforting meal.
• Meal Prepping: Make this dish ahead of time for busy weeknights; just reheat and serve when needed.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is truly a showstopper, combining convenience with incredible taste. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something filling yet simple to prepare. I encourage you to try this recipe and see how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Your family will love it, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation!

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. Ready in just under an hour, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
• 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3.5 cups water
• 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ground black pepper. Make sure each breast is well coated with the spices; this will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
• Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmer slightly. This is important for getting a good sear on the chicken.
• Once the oil is hot, add in the seasoned chicken breasts. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and place it onto a plate. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to rest while you prepare the rest of the dish.
• Next, add the chicken broth, water, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to the pot. Stir well to combine. Breaking the fettuccine noodles in half, add them to the liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, placing it on top of the pasta. This will enhance the flavors as everything cooks together.
• Press the Cancel button, then press the Manual button and set the timer for 6 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing so that the pot can build pressure.
• When the cook time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. This ensures the pasta does not overcook and become mushy.
• Remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Slice them into strips for serving. This step enhances presentation and makes it easier to serve.
• Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and grated garlic into the pot. Stir everything together to create a luscious sauce. The Parmesan should melt into the sauce, thickening it beautifully.
• Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to let the excess liquid absorb. This is the perfect time to adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
• Serve the pasta with the sliced chicken on top. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese makes for a gorgeous presentation. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo!

Notes

• Tip 1: If you like spicy foods, you can use Cajun seasoning on your chicken to prepare a Cajun version of this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo.
• Tip 2: Save some of your Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the pasta when serving it.
• Tip 3: If you don’t have fettuccine pasta, you can still make this meal with any other type of pasta, such as linguine or angel hair.

Keyword Creamy Pasta Recipes, easy chicken alfredo, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, Quick Dinner Ideas

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.