When you're craving comfort food, nothing beats the creamy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Alfredo. Whether you're a busy parent, a student on a tight schedule, or just someone who loves a hearty, satisfying meal, this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is the answer. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but the results are so rich and flavorful, it’ll taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part? You only need one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up later! Let's get cooking.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy dish:
For the Chicken Alfredo:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound fettuccine (or pasta of your choice), broken in half
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Note: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your needs—use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or try a gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy dinner at home:
Step 1: Set the Scene
Turn on your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking later. Press "Cancel" to turn off the sauté mode and remove the chicken to a plate.
Step 2: Add Flavor
With your Instant Pot still warm, toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir to release that irresistible aroma (about 30 seconds). Then, pour in the chicken broth, being sure to scrape the bottom to deglaze the pot. This will prevent anything from sticking or burning during pressure cooking.
Step 3: Break the Pasta Rules
Add your fettuccine to the pot. You’ll want to layer the pasta in crisscross patterns to avoid clumping. DO NOT stir—just gently press the pasta down so it's mostly submerged in the broth. Return the chicken on top of the pasta.
Step 4: Pressure Cooking Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting for 8 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release by turning the venting knob. Open the lid once all pressure is released.
Step 5: Creamy Goodness
Switch the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" mode. Add the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir until everything melts together, creating a velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk or extra broth to loosen it up.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Turn off the Instant Pot and give the dish a final taste test. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Dish up your Chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like.
Tips for Success and Customization
Veggie Boost
Love vegetables? Toss in some fresh spinach, peas, or sliced mushrooms after pressure cooking. They’ll cook perfectly in the hot sauce while you stir it together.Protein Swaps
Don’t have chicken? Shrimp, Italian sausage, or even tofu make fantastic alternatives! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.Cheese Factor
Want even more cheesy flavor? Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or Asiago cheese for an extra layer of ooey-gooey decadence.Make It Ahead
This dish reheats well for leftovers. Just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to revive the creamy texture.One-Pot Harmony
Don’t skip deglazing after cooking the chicken—it’s key to making sure your Instant Pot comes to pressure properly and your pasta doesn’t stick.
There you have it—an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you need pure comfort in a bowl. With this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, you’ll have dinner on the table in record time, earning you major chef points without breaking a sweat. Enjoy!
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