Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Name: Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders (cubed); 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium shallot (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (chopped); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 12 ounces cavatappi pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 ounces cream cheese; 3 ounces grated Parmesan; 3 ounces Romano cheese; Fresh chopped basil

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Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner that’s both comforting and delicious. This recipe takes advantage of the convenience of the Instant Pot to cook tender chicken and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce with plenty of cheese.

With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. So fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness!

This cheesy chicken pasta recipe is a one-pot wonder. It’s ready so quickly, you can easily pair this meal with a salad for some extra nutrition. Try this spring salad with dill buttermilk dressing, or this colorful StarKist Salad with avocado, chicken, and chickpeas.

Table of Contents

Can I cook pasta in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Of course, you can. To make pasta in the Instant Pot that isn’t overcooked or undercooked, it’s important to use the correct amount of water. The best way to do this is to follow the instructions in the recipe carefully. Use the same variety of pasta as the recipe calls for and measure the water carefully.

What can I add to chicken pasta?

This recipe is pretty versatile, but when you’re using the Instant Pot, you do need to be careful not to adjust the recipe too much. Here are some things you can change up with this recipe.

Use sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Add different spices or seasonings to suit your taste.
Add sauteed vegetables like bell peppers.
Stir cooked broccoli or other veggies in at the end.
Replace the heavy cream with half & half.
Add sauteed onion or replace the shallot with sweet onion.

Ingredients

Chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are a boneless, skinless part of the chicken breast. They are tender and easy to cook, which makes them a popular choice for quick meals. In this recipe, the chicken tenders are cubed, which means they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. It typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, but the exact blend can vary. In this recipe, Italian seasoning is used to add flavor to the chicken.
Paprika: Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground chili peppers. It can be sweet or spicy, and the color can vary from bright red to brown. In this recipe, paprika is used to add a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.
Extra virgin olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a high-quality oil made from the first cold-pressing of olives. It has a fruity flavor and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. In this recipe, it is used to cook the chicken.
Shallot: A shallot is a type of onion that has a mild, sweet flavor. In this recipe, it is chopped and used to add flavor to the sauce.
Cavatappi pasta: Cavatappi pasta is a type of pasta that is shaped like corkscrews. It is a fun and unique shape that holds sauce well. In this recipe, it is used as the pasta component.
Cream cheese: Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from cream and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. In this recipe, it is used to add creaminess and tanginess to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese: Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese are hard, aged cheeses that have a sharp, nutty flavor. They are often used in Italian cuisine to add flavor to pasta dishes. In this recipe, they are used to add flavor to the sauce.

How to Make

STEP ONE: Prep the chicken. In a mixing bowl add the chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

STEP TWO: Cook the chicken. Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil to the instant pot then add the seasoned chicken. Saute the chicken on all sides until browned. Add chopped shallot and garlic to the pot. Continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

STEP THREE: Add the pasta. Turn off the saute function and add the chicken broth. Deglaze the pan for 30 seconds, then add pasta to your Instant Pot. Stir everything around until the pasta is submerged in the chicken broth. Cover it with the lid and lock it into its position. Turn the vent to the sealing position.

STEP FOUR: Cook. Use the high-pressure setting and cook on high for 4 minutes. When it’s finished cooking, do a quick release.

STEP FIVE: Add the cheese. Remove the lid and gently stir in the butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, grated parmesan, and romano cheese.

STEP SIX: Serve. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Measure carefully and follow all the instructions anytime you’re using your Instant Pot. This ensures your food cooks properly, and that your pressure cooker is operated safely.
Make sure the pasta is submerged evenly in the liquid before cooking.
I recommend removing the cooked pasta from the Instant Pot and putting it in a serving dish instead. The pasta can continue to cook in the hot Instant Pot, and you may end up with an overcooked dish if you leave it in the pot.

Instant Pot Gooey Cheesy Garlic Pasta Image

How to Store Leftovers

Instant Pot pasta can be stored the same as any other pasta recipe. Just place it in a covered container in the fridge. This recipe should stay good for 2-3 days.

You can also freeze your leftovers. Sometimes pasta thaws a bit mushy, however, so I do recommend eating this dish fresh. If you want to freeze it, place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat this dish, use the microwave, or place the pasta in a saute pan over low-medium heat until the chicken is hot through. You might need to add a touch more broth or cream if your sauce has gotten too thick.

How can I make this gluten-free?

You can substitute gluten-free pasta in this recipe, but add 1/2 a cup more liquid, since gluten-free pasta requires more liquid to cook. If you find your pasta isn’t fully cooked through, put it back on high pressure for another 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use any kind of boneless, skinless chicken you’d like. Chicken tenders are great because they’re thin and cook quickly. They always come out moist and tender. So if you use another cut of meat, make sure to cut it into pieces that would be similar in size to tenders.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach would be great additions.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop, but it will take longer. Simply cook the chicken, shallots, and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven, add the broth and pasta, and simmer covered until the pasta is cooked through. Then stir in the cheeses and cream.

Thumbnail image of Instant Pot Gooey Cheesy Garlic Pasta

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