Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

My weeknights are often a whirlwind of activity, from after-school pickups to homework help and everything in between. Finding time to put a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table can feel like a Herculean task. That’s why I’m eternally grateful for recipes like this Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This dish has become a true family favorite in our house, and for good reason. Imagine tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a creamy, flavorful garlic parmesan sauce – all made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes! The first time I made this, I was honestly blown away by how much flavor was packed into such a simple and quick meal. Even my pickiest eater devoured it, asking for seconds (which is always a win!). The aroma of garlic and parmesan fills the kitchen while it cooks, creating an irresistible anticipation for dinner. Cleanup is a breeze since it’s all cooked in the Instant Pot, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your evening. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with flavor, you absolutely must try this Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a guaranteed hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a truly special meal. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before you get started:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients and properly seasoning the dish. I recommend using kosher salt for its clean taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth to the seasoning blend.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme provides a classic Italian flavor profile that complements the garlic and parmesan perfectly. You can find pre-made Italian seasoning in most grocery stores, or make your own blend if you prefer.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note and a beautiful depth of flavor to the chicken and sauce. It’s a secret ingredient that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the smoked version really adds a special touch.
• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein of this dish. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces (about ¾-inch) ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the Instant Pot and are easy to eat with the pasta. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken before cutting.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor and works in harmony with the fresh minced garlic to create a robust garlic base for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. Extra virgin olive oil adds a richer flavor, but regular olive oil or another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil will also work.
• 1 cup finely diced white onion: White onion adds a mild, savory base flavor to the sauce. Dicing it finely ensures it cooks down and blends seamlessly into the sauce. Yellow onion can also be used as a substitute.
• 4 cloves garlic minced: Fresh minced garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing that signature garlic parmesan flavor. Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic from a jar will give you the best flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
• 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: Chicken broth is the liquid base for cooking the pasta and creating the sauce in the Instant Pot. Using reduced-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. If you only have regular chicken broth, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt.
• 16 ounces penne pasta: Penne pasta is a classic choice for this dish because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. Make sure to use dried pasta, not fresh pasta.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, creating a velvety texture. You can use salted or unsalted butter, adjusting the added salt accordingly.
• 12 ounce can evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is a crucial ingredient for creating a creamy sauce without using heavy cream. It adds richness and body to the sauce without making it too heavy. Don’t confuse evaporated milk with sweetened condensed milk.
• 2 ounces cream cheese: Cream cheese adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce. It helps to thicken the sauce and create a luscious texture. You can use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese. Make sure to cut it into smaller cubes to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is the star of the garlic parmesan sauce! Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and melting quality. Avoid using pre-shredded parmesan cheese as it often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate a block of Parmesan cheese yourself.
• Parsley for sprinkling: Fresh parsley, chopped, adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It also provides a nice herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the sauce. Dried parsley can be used as a substitute if fresh parsley is not available.

Instructions

Making this Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy and straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and satisfying meal in just minutes:

1. Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small dish, combine the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk these spices together until they are well combined. This aromatic blend will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend evenly over the diced chicken pieces. Use your hands to gently toss the chicken and ensure each piece is well coated with the spices. This step is crucial for flavorful chicken.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Wait for the display to read “Hot,” which indicates the pot is heated and ready for cooking. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the Instant Pot. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Browning the chicken in batches ensures it sears properly and develops a nice golden-brown crust. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned on all sides. Browning the chicken at this stage adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
4. Remove Chicken and Sauté Aromatics: Once all the chicken is browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and place it on a plate. Tent the plate with foil to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the sauce base. Add the diced white onion to the now-empty Instant Pot. Cook, stirring regularly with a spatula or spoon, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for just 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Cooking the onion and garlic first builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Press the “Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function. Pour the reduced-sodium chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a spatula or spoon to scrape up any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. This process is called deglazing and is essential for preventing a “Burn” notice and adding depth to the sauce.
6. Add Pasta and Chicken: Add the penne pasta to the Instant Pot, spreading it evenly over the broth. Then, gently place the browned chicken on top of the pasta. Do not stir the pasta and chicken into the broth at this stage. Pressing the pasta down slightly to ensure it’s mostly submerged in the broth is helpful for even cooking, but avoid stirring to prevent a potential “Burn” notice.
7. Pressure Cook: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 3 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will now begin to build pressure. The time it takes to reach pressure can vary, but it usually takes around 10 minutes.
8. Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully and quickly release the pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam that will be released. Wait until the pressure is fully released and the float valve has dropped before opening the lid.
9. Stir in Creamy Ingredients: Remove the Instant Pot lid. Stir in the butter, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the butter and cream cheese are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the Parmesan cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a luscious garlic parmesan sauce.
10. Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and sauce and season with additional salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste, if needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding extra salt. For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle the Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, flavorful one-pot meal!

Nutrition Facts

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (This is an estimated range. For more precise calorie counts, you can use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use).

The estimated calorie count is based on typical nutritional values for the ingredients listed and assumes moderate portion sizes. Factors that can affect the calorie count include the fat content of the chicken breast, the type of Parmesan cheese used, and the amount of butter and cream cheese. For those watching their calorie intake, using reduced-fat cream cheese and leaner chicken breast can help reduce the overall calorie count.

Preparation Time

This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is designed for quick and easy weeknight meals. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (This includes time to dice the chicken, chop the onion and garlic, measure out spices, and gather ingredients.)
• Cook Time: 3 minutes (This is the actual pressure cooking time in the Instant Pot.)
• Time to Pressure: 10 minutes (This is an estimated time for the Instant Pot to come to full pressure before the cooking time begins. This time can vary slightly depending on the Instant Pot model and the volume of ingredients.)
• Total Time: 30 minutes (This is the approximate total time from start to finish, including prep time, sautéing, pressure cooking, pressure release, and sauce finishing.)

As you can see, from start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on the table in just about 30 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick and flavorful meal without sacrificing taste or quality.

How to Serve

This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience and create a balanced and satisfying meal by serving it with complementary side dishes and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Side Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette dressing, and your favorite vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. A Caesar salad or Italian salad would also pair beautifully.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic bread or breadsticks alongside the pasta for dipping into the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. The extra carbs are always welcome and perfect for soaking up every last bit of delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini add a healthy and flavorful side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy pasta. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of Italian seasoning before roasting.
• Steamed Green Beans: Steamed green beans are a quick and easy side dish that adds a bright green color and a healthy element to the meal. A simple squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are all they need.
• Tomato Bruschetta: For a lighter and more Italian-inspired side, serve tomato bruschetta. Toasted baguette slices topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil make a delicious and flavorful accompaniment.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: In addition to parsley, you can garnish the pasta with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who want an even cheesier experience.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over individual servings.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished pasta brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time and to offer some variations, here are five helpful additional tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Browning Chicken: Browning the chicken in batches is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing steaming. Overcrowding the pot lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning. Work in smaller batches to ensure each piece of chicken gets golden brown on all sides. This step significantly enhances the flavor of the dish.
2. Prevent the “Burn” Notice: To avoid getting a “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot, ensure you deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing the chicken and vegetables. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with the chicken broth. Also, avoid stirring the pasta and chicken into the broth before pressure cooking. Layering the ingredients helps prevent sticking and burning. Make sure there is enough liquid in the pot (at least 3 cups of broth) for proper pressure cooking.
3. Adjust the Garlic and Parmesan to Your Taste: This recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, but you can easily adjust these amounts to suit your personal preferences. If you are a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two. For a more intense parmesan flavor, you can increase the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings at the end.
4. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this pasta dish to make it even more nutritious and flavorful. Good additions include frozen peas (stirred in at the end), sautéed mushrooms (sautéed with the onions), spinach or kale (stirred in at the end until wilted), or roasted red peppers (added after pressure cooking).
5. Make it Creamier or Lighter: For an even richer and creamier sauce, you can substitute heavy cream for some of the evaporated milk, or add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat evaporated milk and cream cheese. You can also use a lower-fat Parmesan cheese, though the flavor might be slightly less intense.

FAQ Section

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, along with helpful answers to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful:

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for browning, you can cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot for this recipe. However, you will need to skip the browning step and increase the pressure cooking time. Add the frozen chicken directly to the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic, and increase the pressure cooking time to 6-8 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture of frozen chicken cooked in the Instant Pot might be slightly different from thawed chicken, and browning adds significant flavor, so thawing is recommended when possible.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can substitute other short pasta shapes for penne, such as rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, ziti, or elbow macaroni. The cooking time should remain the same for most short pasta shapes. Avoid using long pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they may not cook evenly in the Instant Pot with this method. Also, be mindful of different pasta types cooking times – very fine pasta may overcook with the same timing.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without evaporated milk?

A: Evaporated milk is key to achieving the creamy texture without using heavy cream. If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be slightly thinner and less rich. You could also try using a can of cream of chicken soup (reduced sodium) thinned with a bit of milk or broth as a substitute, but this will alter the flavor profile.

Q4: Can I double this recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Simply double all the ingredient quantities. The pressure cooking time should remain the same (3 minutes), but the time for the Instant Pot to reach pressure may be slightly longer due to the increased volume of ingredients. Ensure your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate double the ingredients without exceeding the fill line.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. To add protein and heartiness, you could add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas along with the pasta. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the vegetarian version. Ensure to adjust seasoning as needed for the vegetarian version.

Print