Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a dinner that comes together quickly without skimping on flavor, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels homey and comforting, yet is fast enough for a weeknight supper. I absolutely love how the chicken stays juicy and the pasta soaks up all those lovely tomato and cheese flavors, making every bite a delight. Stick with me—you’ll find that this recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to pull off.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play so nicely together to create a cozy, flavorful dish. I like to keep pantry staples on hand like dried herbs and pasta, and fresh parmesan cheese always makes a delicious difference.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and shredding.
• Dried basil or oregano: Adds that classic Italian aroma and flavor.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle garlic kick that won’t overpower.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds richness.
• Chicken broth (low sodium): The base for cooking pasta and infusing flavor.
• Penne or fusilli pasta: Twisty shapes hold the sauce well—bonus points for grooves!
• Tomato sauce (low sodium): Gives the dish that lovely tangy tomato flavor.
• Garlic cloves (fresh): Freshly grated garlic brightens the dish at the end.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and melts beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese: For gooey, melty goodness—divided use keeps the cheese fresh and stringy.
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional): A simple garnish that lifts the flavors and adds color.

Variations

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I like to tweak it depending on what we’ve got in the fridge or to match a certain mood.

• Swap in chicken thighs: I sometimes use thighs instead of breasts—they stay even juicier and more forgiving if you’re in a rush.
• Gluten-free pasta: I use gluten-free penne and reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid mushiness—works like a charm.
• Add veggies: Throw in some spinach or mushrooms right after pressure cooking for a boost of color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: I’ve added red pepper flakes before for a little kick, and my family loves it.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by pressing the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and wait for it to say “Hot.” Meanwhile, sprinkle your chicken breasts evenly with basil (or oregano), garlic powder, salt, and pepper—don’t be shy here, seasoning is key! Swirl the olive oil in the pot—it helps to tilt the pot so the oil coats the entire bottom since it’s not perfectly flat like a pan.

Pop the chicken in and cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden brown. Browning adds flavor and gives you that lovely crusty edge we all love. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and pour in a cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up those tasty browned bits. Hit cancel on the sauté setting after this.

Step 2: Add Pasta, Broth, and Sauce

Pour in the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth, then add the dry pasta, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly. Now, place the browned chicken back on top and spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken—resist the urge to stir after adding the sauce. This layering method helps prevent the pasta from sticking and cooking unevenly.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Pasta and Chicken

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook function on High for 5 minutes. This timing is a game-changer—short enough to keep pasta al dente and chicken tender. As soon as the cook time ends, release the pressure immediately by switching the valve to “Venting.” Trust me, this quick release stops the pasta from overcooking and getting mushy.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Fresh Garlic

Carefully open the lid, take the chicken out and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken back into the pot along with freshly grated garlic, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and cheesy. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top, close the lid (no need to seal), and let it sit for about 5 minutes while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil makes all the difference—not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brightens up the flavors just before serving. This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes best fresh, so dig in while it’s warm and bubbly!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil because it adds a hint of brightness and a lovely green contrast. Sometimes, I’ll grate a little extra Parmesan right on top—because, why not? A drizzle of good olive oil before serving can also elevate the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and well-rounded, I usually serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly or some roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread is an obvious winner to mop up all that sauce—which my family always appreciates.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on a dinner party, I’ve served this in mini cast iron skillets for each guest—looks rustic and charming! Layering fresh herbs and a few cherry tomatoes on top can turn this everyday meal into something special in seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually last up to 2 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out and warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally—it brings the creamy texture right back.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this particular dish because the pasta tends to get mushy and loses its great texture. If you want to prep ahead, just cook the chicken separately and add freshly cooked pasta at serving time.

Reheating

Reheating on the stovetop with a little broth or water keeps things creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out, which I find works much better than the microwave. Low heat and gentle stirring are key!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could come together so quickly and taste like I’d been slaving away all afternoon. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on for busy nights or casual gatherings, and it never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do, and that it finds a permanent spot in your dinner rotation—the cheesy, flavorful comfort food vibes are just too good to resist. Give it a try and let me know if it becomes your new weeknight favorite!

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