The Instant Pot is probably my favorite kitchen appliance. I use it pretty much every other day to make dinner. One of my favorite things to make in the instant pot is any type of chicken pasta recipe! To help you find the perfect quick and easy dinner recipe, I rounded up 10 of the best Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipes.
When you cook pasta in the instant pot, it usually cooks in half the time listed on the box. Because of this, pasta recipes are some of the quickest dishes you can make in your instant pot. These recipes are packed with protein and flavor! 🙂
What type of chicken can I cook in the Instant Pot?
Depending on your preference, you can use chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and lower in fat than chicken thighs. It is generally known that chicken thighs produce a more moist final result, however this is not typically a concern when cooking in the instant pot.
Since the instant pot is a moist cooking method, even chicken breasts will turn out tender and juicy. Most recipes will have you dice the chicken into small pieces prior to sautéing in the instant pot. The chicken does not have to be fully cooked before pressure cooking. It will finish cooking during the pressure cooking process.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Pasta recipes?
Some of these chicken pasta recipes include a vegetable, so in that case, you’re really looking at a complete meal with protein, starch, and fiber! If they don’t include a vegetable, most would pair well with a green vegetable such as broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, a green salad, etc.
How can I save leftovers of Instant Pot Chicken Pasta recipes?
These recipes usually make a large amount of chicken pasta, so they are perfect for meal prep or cooking for a crowd. If you have leftovers, I recommend storing in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water or heavy cream and stir. This prevents the pasta from drying out. Then, heat in the microwave until hot.
Now, let’s get to the recipes!
1. Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal to use up the leftover pesto you have sitting in your freezer from this summer’s basil harvest. If you don’t have any homemade pesto, you can also use a jar of pre-made pesto. This pasta has a delicious, pesto parmesan sauce that the whole family will devour.
2. Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and packed with chunks of chicken and fresh spinach. To save major time on dinner, use a rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon bits. You can also use a different green such as kale, Swiss chard, or even shredded Brussels sprouts.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta has a garlicky, creamy sauce that tastes delicious. This recipe uses real cream and parmesan cheese to create decadent flavor. Serve this pasta with a vegetable such as broccoli, asparagus, or a mixed green salad to increase the fiber and vitamin/mineral content!
4. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is packed with peppers, onions, and chicken, all coated in a creamy tomato sauce. The rigatoni hold onto the sauce perfectly so that each bite is packed with flavor. This is delicious served with a green salad for a satisfying dinner.
5. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta uses chicken thighs and two different kinds of cheeses to create an easy and flavor-packed dinner. The chicken comes out amazingly tender. Even picky eaters will love this one!
6. Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is loaded with delicious garlic parmesan flavor thanks to fresh parmesan cheese, cream, and cream cheese. To lighten up this dish, I recommend using half and half instead of heavy cream. This would taste great with some baby spinach tossed in, which would add potassium, vitamin A, and fiber.
7. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is basically the pasta version of your favorite game day dip. This dish has a tangy, spicy flavor that is totally customizable based on the amount of buffalo sauce you add. Make sure you use a short pasta such as penne or rigatoni that will hold onto all that creamy sauce!
8. Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is packed with bell peppers and onions for a dish that is high in vitamin C and fiber. It has all the Mexican flavors from fajita seasoning and salsa. It is definitely the most unique recipe on this list since it is Mexican-inspired rather than Italian-inspired. Definitely give this one a try!
9. Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy version of traditional spaghetti made with chicken breast chunks instead of ground meat. This meal tastes delicious served with a big green salad and some garlic bread on the side.
10. Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a gorgeous meal that is packed with sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Just look at the color of the veggies contrasting with the creamy pasta sauce! Make sure to let the sauce thicken for a few minutes before serving for best results.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe roundup! Let me know which ones you try in the comments down below! 🙂 For more delicious recipes, head over to my Recipes page!