Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this recipe, the key elements come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken breasts provide a tender protein base that cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Fettuccine pasta absorbs the flavors from the sauce while cooking in the broth. I use heavy cream to give the sauce that desired richness. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that makes the dish truly special. To elevate the flavor, I add minced garlic, which brings in a lovely aroma. Olive oil helps to sauté the chicken, enhancing its taste. Italian seasoning adds a hint of herbs, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish but also gives it a pop of color. These ingredients come together in a quick and easy way. You’ll find that each step builds on the last, making the cooking process fun and rewarding. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Once hot, add 1 pound of cubed chicken breasts. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Sauté the chicken until browned, which takes about 5 minutes. - Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for another minute to bring out the flavor. - After the chicken is cooked, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. - Scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits. This adds flavor. - Now, take 8 ounces of fettuccine and break it in half. Add it to the pot. - Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. - Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. - Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. - Once the cooking time is done, do a quick release of the pressure. - Carefully open the lid and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. - If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. - Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To avoid overcooked pasta, follow these steps: - Break the fettuccine in half before adding it to the pot. - Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in chicken broth. - Cook on high pressure for just 6 minutes. For a creamy sauce, keep these tips in mind: - Use heavy cream for rich texture and flavor. - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese after cooking. - If the sauce is too thick, add more broth gradually. Here are common mistakes to avoid when using the Instant Pot: - Do not skip the deglazing step; it adds flavor. - Ensure the sealing valve is in the correct position. - Avoid overfilling the pot; it can affect pressure. Troubleshooting pressure cooking can be simple: - If the pot doesn’t reach pressure, check the sealing ring. - Make sure your lid is locked properly. - If food is stuck, try adding more liquid for steam. For great pairings, consider these side dishes and beverages: - A light salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish. - Garlic bread is always a favorite with pasta. - A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, pairs well too. To make your meal look special, try these plating ideas: - Use a large plate and twirl the pasta for height. - Sprinkle parsley on top for color. - Add a drizzle of olive oil for shine and flavor. Pro Tips Chicken Searing: Make sure to sear the chicken well to enhance flavor. Browning it creates a delicious depth in your dish. Pasta Cooking: Breaking the fettuccine ensures it fits easily in the pot and cooks evenly without sticking together. Sauce Consistency: If your alfredo sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until you achieve the desired creaminess. Garnishing: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a bright flavor that complements the richness of the dish. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free pasta, choose brown rice or quinoa pasta. Both cook well in the Instant Pot. For a dairy-free Alfredo, use coconut cream or cashew cream. These options can still give you a creamy texture. You can also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Broccoli and spinach are great choices. You can stir them in just before the final sauce mix. Try different cheeses, like mozzarella or Gouda, for a unique taste. These will change the dish’s character and keep it exciting. To add heat, use red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add fresh jalapeños for a kick. These spices can make your Chicken Alfredo pop with flavor. To keep your chicken Alfredo fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. If you plan to eat it within a few days, place it in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Divide the dish into meal-sized portions before freezing. This way, you can reheat just what you need. To reheat, I recommend using the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stop and stir every minute. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help refresh the sauce and keep it creamy. In the fridge, chicken Alfredo lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in color or odor. If something seems off, it's best to toss it. To make Chicken Alfredo without cream, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. You can also use a mix of chicken broth and nutritional yeast for a creamy feel. Adjust the seasoning to enhance flavor. This keeps the dish lighter while still tasty. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to at least 165°F (75°C). Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safety. If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. Start with a small amount, about a quarter cup. Stir well and check the consistency. You can adjust until it meets your liking. This will keep the sauce creamy and smooth. To double the recipe, simply increase the ingredients. Ensure you do not exceed the maximum fill line of the pot. Cooking time may remain the same, but check if the chicken is cooked through. Always ensure safety with thicker meals. Yes, it is safe to use quick release for this dish. Quick release helps prevent the pasta from overcooking. Just be careful of the steam. Use a kitchen towel or pot holder to protect your hands when releasing the pressure. In this article, we explored creating a savory Chicken Alfredo in the Instant Pot. We covered essential ingredients like chicken, fettuccine, and heavy cream. You learned step-by-step instructions, plus tips for perfecting the dish. Variations gave you options for dietary needs or flavor twists. Finally, we shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Now, you can confidently make a delicious Chicken Alfredo, tailor it to your taste, and enjoy every bite. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!$

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
Break the fettuccine pasta in half and add it to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the broth.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth as needed.

Keyword Alfredo, Chicken, Instant Pot, pasta