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!