Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Delight

$- Chicken: 1 pound diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Pasta: 12 ounces fettuccine or preferred type - Broth and Seasonings: 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning - Cream and Cheese: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Garnish: Fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper This dish starts with fresh chicken. I like to use diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook fast and stay tender. You will need 1 pound. Next, choose your pasta. I often use fettuccine for its wide shape. It holds sauce well, but any pasta you like will work. You need 12 ounces. For flavor, we need broth and seasonings. Use 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth for a good base. Garlic powder adds a nice kick, and Italian seasoning brings warmth. Now, we add cream and cheese. Heavy whipping cream makes the sauce rich. You will also need 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that classic taste. Finally, don't forget the garnish. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Use extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to round out the flavors. With these ingredients, you are on your way to a creamy and quick chicken Alfredo! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until it shimmers. Then, add 1 pound of diced chicken. Sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is no longer pink. This step builds great flavor. Next, carefully pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Gently stir to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. These bits add flavor. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Press the pasta down into the broth, but do not stir. Ensure all the pasta is below the liquid. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Now, secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the steam valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, use the quick release to let out any remaining steam. This method gives you tender pasta and juicy chicken. After opening the lid, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir until the sauce is creamy and well mixed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken Alfredo in warm bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. For a creamy sauce, aim for a smooth consistency. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir gently to blend until you reach your desired thickness. For a richer flavor, taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to make it just right. When sautéing chicken, ensure it browns evenly. This step builds flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook in batches if needed. For pressure cooking, always check that the steam valve is sealed. Common mistakes include stirring the pasta in the broth. Instead, press it down gently to keep it submerged. Serve your Alfredo in warm bowls. Top each dish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. This adds color and fresh flavor. For sides, pair with garlic bread or a light salad. These choices balance the richness of the dish and create a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated options. Always aim for the freshest ingredients to enhance the taste of your dish. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and Italian seasoning according to your taste preference. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can also give your Alfredo a pleasant kick. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks in the Instant Pot with the chicken and broth, ensure you follow the timing closely. Undercooking slightly will allow it to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also freshness to the dish. Consider adding a few extra shavings of Parmesan for that restaurant-style finish. {{image_4}} You can easily switch proteins in this dish. Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it in the last few minutes. Tofu is great too! Use firm tofu, diced, and sauté it like the chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely. Load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. These add flavor and nutrition. You can sauté them with the olive oil before adding the broth and pasta. Adding vegetables or spices can make the dish pop. Try spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color and taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a kick. For a creative twist, use different cheeses. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor, while smoked gouda brings depth. You can even add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. These simple changes can make your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo fun and new. Enjoy exploring your options! To keep your Chicken Alfredo fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. For longer storage, freeze the dish. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to avoid hot spots. On the stovetop, gently warm it in a pan. Add a splash of chicken broth to help restore creaminess. Chicken Alfredo stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. After that, it may lose taste and quality. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a change in color, do not eat it. Look for mold or an unusual texture. If you notice any of these signs, discard the dish. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. You can use many types of pasta for your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. Fettuccine is a classic choice, known for its wide shape that holds the sauce well. Here are some other great options: - Penne: Cooks in about 8 minutes. - Rotini: Also takes 8 minutes and adds a fun twist. - Spaghetti: Cooks in 8 minutes but may require extra care to keep it submerged. Just remember, cooking times may vary by brand. Check the package for exact times. When using the Instant Pot, you should press the pasta down into the liquid without stirring. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for later. Here are some tips: - Cool Down: Let the dish cool before storing. This helps keep it fresh. - Use Airtight Containers: Store in individual portions for easy meals. - Refrigerate: It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it! Just remember to leave some space in the container, as the pasta will expand. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Absolutely! You can make this dish dairy-free by swapping out some ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute. - Cheese: Try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Butter: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead. These swaps will still give you a creamy and tasty result. Just adjust your seasonings to suit your taste. Reheating can be tricky, but you can keep your Alfredo creamy. Here are some methods: - Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help it rehydrate. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. Add liquid as needed to keep it creamy. Avoid high heat, as this can make the sauce too thick or grainy. By using these methods, you’ll enjoy tasty leftovers each time! This blog post shared a simple way to make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. We covered key ingredients, detailed steps, helpful tips, and variations. Whether you want to substitute proteins or add more veggies, options abound. Don't forget to store leftovers properly to maintain freshness. With these strategies, you can impress your family at dinner. Enjoy the creamy taste, and feel free to get creative with your own twists!$

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Delight

A rich and creamy chicken Alfredo made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta type)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Drizzle in the olive oil and wait for it to shimmer. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Carefully pour the chicken broth over the sautéed chicken, stirring gently to ensure you scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Add the fettuccine, gently pressing the pasta down into the broth. Avoid stirring; just ensure that all the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the steam valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully switching the valve to quick release any remaining steam.
After opening the lid, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir vigorously until the sauce is well combined and has a rich, creamy texture. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more of chicken broth to adjust its consistency.
Taste the Alfredo sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the creamy chicken Alfredo in warm bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top and a few sprigs of parsley. Consider pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keyword Alfredo, chicken, Instant Pot, pasta