Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Creamy and Easy Recipe

ByAisha June 14, 2025November 26, 2025

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream (preferably not ultra-pasteurized) - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When it comes to chicken, always choose fresh, high-quality meat. This helps with flavor. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. It keeps the dish from being too salty. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a big difference. It melts better and tastes richer. Avoid ultra-pasteurized cream; it might not thicken as well. If you want a lighter dish, use chicken breast instead of thighs. For a gluten-free option, swap fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. You can also use almond milk or coconut cream in place of heavy cream. If you need a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Always check labels for hidden allergens. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, let’s sauté the chicken. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, add 2 diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir the chicken often until it turns golden brown. Next, it's time to add the garlic. Take 3 cloves of finely minced garlic and sprinkle them over the chicken. Sauté the garlic for about a minute. Stir constantly until the garlic smells great but does not brown. Now, let’s cook the pasta. Carefully pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bits off the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to your meal. Next, break 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta in half before adding it to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Close the Instant Pot lid tightly. Adjust the steam release valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook option. Set the timer for high pressure for 4 minutes. When the cooking time ends, it’s time to release the pressure. Carefully turn the steam release valve to venting. Be cautious; the steam will be hot! After the steam fully releases, you can open the lid. Now, let’s make the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Now, it’s time to serve. Ladle the creamy chicken Alfredo into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To get the best Alfredo sauce, start with heavy cream. I prefer cream that is not ultra-pasteurized. This cream blends better and gives a richer taste. If your sauce is too thick, add chicken broth bit by bit. Keep stirring until you reach your perfect texture. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, coating the pasta well. Using an Instant Pot can be fun! Always sauté your chicken first. This step adds flavor. When adding pasta, break it in half. This ensures it cooks evenly. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. After cooking, do a quick release with care. Hot steam can burn you, so watch your hands. One mistake is not deglazing the pot. Scraping the bottom helps mix flavors. Another mistake is adding too much pasta. This can make your dish dry. Avoid using ultra-pasteurized cream for the sauce. It won't melt well. Lastly, don't skip the seasoning. A pinch of salt and pepper can make a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better and provide a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese. Always opt for fresh when possible! Monitor the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking the pasta. Since the residual heat will continue to cook the pasta after pressure cooking, it’s best to undercook it slightly. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli during the pressure cooking stage for added nutrition and flavor. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also provides a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy sauce. {{image_4}} You can add many fun things to your Chicken Alfredo. Try mixing in some fresh vegetables. Broccoli, peas, or spinach work well. These add color and nutrition. If you want more protein, consider shrimp or cooked sausage. Both give a nice twist. Just add them after you sauté the chicken. They need little time to cook. You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure to use dairy-free cheese for the sauce. This keeps it creamy and delicious. You can change the taste with herbs and spices. Instead of Italian seasoning, use fresh basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can also use lemon zest for brightness. These small changes can make your dish unique. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite flavors. Once you finish your meal, let the chicken Alfredo cool down. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Make sure to store it in the fridge right away. It’s best to enjoy leftovers within three days for the best taste and safety. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a pan on the stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the dish every 30 seconds. This helps it heat evenly. If using a pan, add a splash of broth or cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. In the fridge, your creamy chicken Alfredo lasts about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious meal again! It takes about 4 minutes to cook diced chicken in an Instant Pot. This quick time is due to the pressure cooking method. The Instant Pot traps steam, cooking food faster than traditional methods. Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While fettuccine is great for Chicken Alfredo, penne or bowtie pasta works well too. Just make sure to break longer pasta into pieces so it fits in the pot. Adjust the cooking time if you use thicker pasta. You can serve Chicken Alfredo with many sides. Garlic bread is a classic choice. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair well too. You can also top it with extra cheese or herbs for added flavor. In this post, we explored how to make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. We covered essential ingredients and their quality, along with easy substitutions. The step-by-step cooking process guides you from sautéing to pressure cooking. We shared tips for perfect sauce and common pitfalls to avoid. Lastly, we discussed variations to suit different diets and proper storage for leftovers. By mastering this recipe, you can enjoy delicious Alfredo anytime. The Instant Pot makes it quick and fun. Dive in and enjoy!$

Are you ready for a quick and tasty dinner? My *Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo* recipe is creamy, easy, and perfect for busy nights. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Whether you’re a cooking pro or a beginner, I’ll guide you through every part. Let’s dive in and make this comfort food classic together!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy Delight: The Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, providing a comforting and indulgent flavor that everyone loves.
One-Pot Wonder: Using the Instant Pot means minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked in one pot!
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether by adding vegetables or using different types of pasta.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

– 1 cup heavy cream (preferably not ultra-pasteurized)

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Notes on Ingredient Quality

When it comes to chicken, always choose fresh, high-quality meat. This helps with flavor. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. It keeps the dish from being too salty. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a big difference. It melts better and tastes richer. Avoid ultra-pasteurized cream; it might not thicken as well.

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions

If you want a lighter dish, use chicken breast instead of thighs. For a gluten-free option, swap fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. You can also use almond milk or coconut cream in place of heavy cream. If you need a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

First, let’s sauté the chicken. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, add 2 diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir the chicken often until it turns golden brown.

Next, it’s time to add the garlic. Take 3 cloves of finely minced garlic and sprinkle them over the chicken. Sauté the garlic for about a minute. Stir constantly until the garlic smells great but does not brown.

Cooking Steps

Now, let’s cook the pasta. Carefully pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bits off the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to your meal. Next, break 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta in half before adding it to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth.

Close the Instant Pot lid tightly. Adjust the steam release valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook option. Set the timer for high pressure for 4 minutes.

When the cooking time ends, it’s time to release the pressure. Carefully turn the steam release valve to venting. Be cautious; the steam will be hot!

Final Touches

After the steam fully releases, you can open the lid. Now, let’s make the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Now, it’s time to serve. Ladle the creamy chicken Alfredo into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Alfredo Sauce Consistency

To get the best Alfredo sauce, start with heavy cream. I prefer cream that is not ultra-pasteurized. This cream blends better and gives a richer taste. If your sauce is too thick, add chicken broth bit by bit. Keep stirring until you reach your perfect texture. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, coating the pasta well.

Best Practices for Using an Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot can be fun! Always sauté your chicken first. This step adds flavor. When adding pasta, break it in half. This ensures it cooks evenly. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. After cooking, do a quick release with care. Hot steam can burn you, so watch your hands.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is not deglazing the pot. Scraping the bottom helps mix flavors. Another mistake is adding too much pasta. This can make your dish dry. Avoid using ultra-pasteurized cream for the sauce. It won’t melt well. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. A pinch of salt and pepper can make a big difference!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better and provide a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese. Always opt for fresh when possible!
Monitor the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking the pasta. Since the residual heat will continue to cook the pasta after pressure cooking, it’s best to undercook it slightly.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli during the pressure cooking stage for added nutrition and flavor.
Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also provides a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy sauce.

Variations

Additional Ingredients (Vegetables, proteins)

You can add many fun things to your Chicken Alfredo. Try mixing in some fresh vegetables. Broccoli, peas, or spinach work well. These add color and nutrition. If you want more protein, consider shrimp or cooked sausage. Both give a nice twist. Just add them after you sauté the chicken. They need little time to cook.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Versions

You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure to use dairy-free cheese for the sauce. This keeps it creamy and delicious.

Flavor Modifications (Herbs, spices)

You can change the taste with herbs and spices. Instead of Italian seasoning, use fresh basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can also use lemon zest for brightness. These small changes can make your dish unique. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite flavors.

Storage Info

Proper Storage Techniques for Leftovers

Once you finish your meal, let the chicken Alfredo cool down. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Make sure to store it in the fridge right away. It’s best to enjoy leftovers within three days for the best taste and safety.

Reheating Tips for Creamy Alfredo

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a pan on the stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the dish every 30 seconds. This helps it heat evenly. If using a pan, add a splash of broth or cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out.

Shelf Life and Freezing Information

In the fridge, your creamy chicken Alfredo lasts about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious meal again!

FAQs

How long does it take to cook chicken in an Instant Pot?

It takes about 4 minutes to cook diced chicken in an Instant Pot. This quick time is due to the pressure cooking method. The Instant Pot traps steam, cooking food faster than traditional methods. Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While fettuccine is great for Chicken Alfredo, penne or bowtie pasta works well too. Just make sure to break longer pasta into pieces so it fits in the pot. Adjust the cooking time if you use thicker pasta.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo?

You can serve Chicken Alfredo with many sides. Garlic bread is a classic choice. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair well too. You can also top it with extra cheese or herbs for added flavor.

In this post, we explored how to make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. We covered essential ingredients and their quality, along with easy substitutions. The step-by-step cooking process guides you from sautéing to pressure cooking. We shared tips for perfect sauce and common pitfalls to avoid. Lastly, we discussed variations to suit different diets and proper storage for leftovers.

By mastering this recipe, you can enjoy delicious Alfredo anytime. The Instant Pot makes it quick and fun. Dive in and enjo