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how to make instant pot chicken pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

Before diving into the details of this delightful dish, let's talk pairings. Instant Pot Chicken Pasta is a great crowd-pleaser and can be complemented by various sides.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 568 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces of penne or other similar pasta such as rigatoni or ziti
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups of chicken broth or water more flavor will come from broth
  • 2 cups of marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • ¾ cup of heavy cream
  • ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup of freshly grated Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2-3 tablespoons of fresh basil for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes optional, for those who like a little heat

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

  • Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it warm for about a minute. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your dish.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

  • Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season them with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s just browned, about 3-4 minutes. You don’t need to cook it through at this stage; it will finish cooking during pressure cooking.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

  • Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is flavor you don’t want to waste! After that, stir in the Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

  • Pour the dry pasta into the pot. Make sure it's submerged in the liquid but don't stir too much. This can help prevent it from sticking during the cooking process.

Step 5: Seal and Cook

  • Close the lid of your Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. It will take some time to come to pressure, which is completely normal!

Step 6: Release the Pressure

  • Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully turn the valve to "Venting" and let out the steam.

Step 7: Add Cream and Cheese

  • Once the lid is removed, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese. You’ll see the sauce come together beautifully. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add more chicken broth at this point.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  • Finish off with fresh basil and, if desired, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in with gusto!

Notes

  • Don’t skip the sauté: Browning the onions and chicken adds depth to the flavor.
  • Use quality ingredients: The better your broth and marinara, the better your final dish.
  • Mind the cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances flavor.
  • Adjust the cook time: For whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta, you may need to adjust the cook time slightly.
  • Make it your own: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the pot for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 36gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 950mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Instant Pot Chicken Pasta
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