Craving a creamy, indulgent pasta dish but short on time? Look no further than this Speedy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting dinner in a pinch.
This recipe leverages the magic of the Instant Pot to cook tender chicken and al dente pasta simultaneously, then finishes with a rich Alfredo sauce. Read on for step-by-step instructions and expert tips to make your weeknight dinner both effortless and delicious.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling everything you need to avoid mid-cook scrambling.
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– Uncooked fettuccine pasta, broken in half
– Chicken broth or stock
– Heavy cream
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Butter, garlic, salt, and pepper
– Optional: parsley for garnish
Having these ingredients ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Prep the Chicken
Even cooking starts with uniform pieces.
Pro Tip: Cut Evenly
Slice your chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook through at the same rate. Season generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
3. Sauté and Season
Bring out the flavors before pressure cooking.
– Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode.
– Melt butter and add minced garlic until fragrant.
– Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook just until the edges turn white.
This step builds a savory base for your Alfredo sauce.
4. Add Broth, Pasta, and Chicken
Layering is key to prevent sticking.
1. Pour in chicken broth.
2. Arrange the broken fettuccine in an even layer over the liquid—do not stir.
3. Nestle the sautéed chicken on top.
Avoid stirring to ensure the pasta cooks properly without clumping.
5. Pressure Cook Quickly
Seal in the flavors.
– Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
– It’s amazing how a few minutes under pressure can perfectly cook both chicken and pasta.
6. Release Pressure and Stir
Finish with gentle mixing.
– Perform a quick release according to your Instant Pot’s instructions.
– Open the lid and stir everything together until the pasta is coated and the chicken is evenly distributed.
7. Finish with Cream and Cheese
Turn up the richness.
– Switch back to “Sauté” mode.
– Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
– Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
This step transforms the dish into a velvety Alfredo.
8. Garnish and Serve
Add the final touches.
– Spoon the Chicken Alfredo into bowls or onto plates.
– Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like.
– Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
With just a few simple steps, your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting for a quick and creamy Chicken Alfredo that rivals any restaurant. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner party, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Enjoy!