Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta! Packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Tender diced chicken breast is coated in a flavorful blend of spices, then cooked alongside penne pasta in the Instant Pot for maximum efficiency. As the pasta cooks to perfection, it’s infused with creamy goodness from cream cheese, heavy cream, and a blend of cheeses, resulting in a decadently cheesy sauce that coats every bite. Plus, with the addition of fresh broccoli florets for a pop of color and nutrition, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting meal after a long day, this Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is sure to hit the spot. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a satisfying dinner that’s ready in a flash!

Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to flavor-packed meals with minimal effort! This Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. With just a few simple steps and the push of a button, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization – whether you prefer to add extra veggies, adjust the level of spice, or swap out the cheeses, you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences. Perfect for busy families, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, this Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire. So, grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s both hassle-free and incredibly satisfying!

What you will love about this recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe! Firstly, its convenience is unmatched – with just one pot and minimal prep work, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in no time. The Instant Pot does all the hard work for you, from cooking the chicken and pasta to melding the flavors together into a creamy and cheesy sauce.

Secondly, the flavor profile of this dish is absolutely divine. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and mustard powders adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the creamy cheeses and heavy cream create a luscious sauce that coats every bite. Plus, the optional crushed red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat that takes the flavor to the next level.

Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable. You can easily swap out the protein or vegetables to suit your preferences, making it a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand or accommodate dietary restrictions.

Finally, not only is this Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta delicious, but it’s also a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and comforting pasta, it’s a complete meal in one dish.

Overall, whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, a college student craving a comforting meal after a long day of classes, or simply someone who appreciates delicious food made with minimal effort, this Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is sure to hit the spot every time.

What do I need to get started?

Butter
Smoked paprika
Salt
Mustard powder
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Pepper
Chicken breast – or thighs
Chicken stock
Penne pasta – pastas have different cooking times, this pasta dish is using penne
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Broccoli florets – or peas, or other vegetable
Colby jack – any cheese you prefer
Crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Turn the instant pot on to saute and put the butter in the pan to melt.

Combine the paprika, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper together in a ziplock bag and shake.
Add the chicken to the bag and shake till all the chicken is coated.
Add the chicken to the melted butter and saute for 2 minutes.

Add the chicken stock and the pasta to the pan and stir.

Place the lid on the pan, making sure the vent is sealed.
Set the instant pot to high pressure for 3 minutes. It will take a little bit for the pressure to build up, and the food will be cooking while the pressure builds.
When the timer is finished, do a quick release and carefully open the pot. CAUTION: Hot steam will escape and can burn the skin, keep back and use a dish towel if necessary to block the steam.
Turn the pan back on to Saute and add the cream cheese to the noodles. Place the lid on the pan for 2 minutes. Turn OFF the instant pot.

Add the broccoli and place the lid back on the pan. Allow the broccoli to steam for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and gently stir the cream cheese and broccoli into the noodles.

Add the heavy cream, Colby jack, and half the parmesan cheese to the pot, toss to combine, and allow the cheese to melt and the cream to get warm.

Serve each plate with a sprinkle of parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and some fresh basil.

Tips & Tricks

Prep Ingredients in Advance: To save time during cooking, prep all your ingredients before starting the Instant Pot. This includes dicing the chicken, chopping the broccoli, and measuring out spices and cheeses.
Use Chicken Thighs: While the recipe calls for chicken breast, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Add Vegetables: This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add additional vegetables along with the broccoli. Bell peppers, spinach, peas, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the chicken and spices, add a splash of chicken stock to deglaze the pot. This helps to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom, preventing the “burn” error and ensuring even cooking.

Storage

You will want to store your leftover Instant Pot Cheesy chicken pasta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

FAQs about cheesecloth

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply cook the chicken and spices in a large skillet, then add the chicken stock and pasta. Simmer until the pasta is cooked through, then stir in the cream cheese, broccoli, and remaining ingredients until heated through and creamy.

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta in place of regular penne pasta. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as chicken stock and spices, are also gluten-free.

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by omitting the cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Instead, you can use dairy-free alternatives such as cashew cream or coconut cream to achieve a creamy sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily omit the chicken in this dish to make it vegetarian. I would add in extra vegetables or you can just make a really delicious dish of cheesy noodles.

Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot cheesy chicken pasta is creamy, hearty, and the perfect comfort dish. It is the perfect quick and easy dinner thanks to the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
4 cups chicken stock
1 pound penne pasta
4 ounces cream cheese
4 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Colby jack, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Fresh basil, optional

Instructions

Turn the instant pot on to saute and put the butter in the pan to melt.
Combine the paprika, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper together in a ziplock bag and shake.
Add the chicken to the bag and shake till all the chicken is coated.
Add the chicken to the melted butter and saute for 2 minutes.
Add the chicken stock and the pasta to the pan and stir.
Place the lid on the pan, making sure the vent is sealed.
Set the instant pot to high pressure for 3 minutes. It will take a little bit for the pressure to build up, and the food will be cooking while the pressure builds.
When the timer is finished, do a quick release and carefully open the pot. CAUTION: Hot steam will escape and can burn the skin, keep back and use a dish towel if necessary to block the steam.
Turn the pan back on to Saute and add the cream cheese to the noodles. Place the lid on the pan for 2 minutes. Turn OFF the instant pot.
Add the broccoli and place the lid back on the pan. Allow the broccoli to steam for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and gently stir the cream cheese and broccoli into the noodles.
Add the heavy cream, Colby Jack, and half the parmesan cheese to the pot, toss to combine, and allow the cheese to melt and the cream to get warm.
Serve each plate with a sprinkle of parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and some fresh basil.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 475Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 686mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 30g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta