Name: Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients: 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 450-550