Let’s face it—weeknights are chaotic. Between work, school, and life’s endless to-do list, who has time to whip up a gourmet meal? That’s where the Instant Pot comes in. It’s not just a kitchen gadget; it’s a lifesaver. And if you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and Italian-inspired, this Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to.
Imagine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce infused with Italian herbs, roasted red peppers, and a hint of parmesan—all ready in just 12 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Whether you’re an Instant Pot pro or a newbie, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the easiest, most delicious Italian-inspired dinner you’ll ever make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, it’s ready in 12 minutes.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to relax.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces.
- Pasta: Lumaconi or any short pasta works great.
- Seasonings: Salt, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Liquids: Low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Veggies: Diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach.
- Extras: Basil pesto, parmesan cheese, and cornstarch for thickening.
How to Make Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time:
- Brown the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add oil, and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink. Toss in the seasonings for an extra flavor boost.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This step is key for avoiding the dreaded “burn” notice.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and pasta. Gently press the pasta into the liquid—no stirring needed!
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid, set the timer for 2 minutes, and let the magic happen. (Don’t worry, the pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure first.)
- Finish the Sauce: Once the cooking is done, release the pressure gradually. Stir in the cream, cornstarch, spinach, pesto, and parmesan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.
- Serve & Enjoy: Dish it up, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and dig in!
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta
- Don’t Overcook: Set the timer for 2 minutes to keep the pasta al dente.
- Use Short Pasta: Shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells work best.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, give the pasta a few minutes to soak up the sauce.
- Customize It: Add mushrooms, swap chicken for Italian sausage, or go veggie with extra spinach and white beans.
FAQs About Instant Pot Italian Recipes
Can I use dried pasta in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Just make sure there’s enough liquid to cook it properly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken, use veggie broth, and add extra veggies or beans for protein.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with:
- Garlic bread or homemade breadsticks.
- A crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
- A glass of your favorite red wine.
Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces.
- Pasta: Lumaconi or any short pasta works great.
- Seasonings: Salt minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Liquids: Low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Veggies: Diced tomatoes roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach.
- Extras: Basil pesto parmesan cheese, and cornstarch for thickening.
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add oil, and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink. Toss in the seasonings for an extra flavor boost.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This step is key for avoiding the dreaded “burn” notice.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and pasta. Gently press the pasta into the liquid—no stirring needed!
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid, set the timer for 2 minutes, and let the magic happen. (Don’t worry, the pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure first.)
- Finish the Sauce: Once the cooking is done, release the pressure gradually. Stir in the cream, cornstarch, spinach, pesto, and parmesan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.
- Serve & Enjoy: Dish it up, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and dig in!
Notes
- Pasta Shape: Use short pasta like lumaconi or penne for best results.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with extra veggies like mushrooms or broccoli.
Conclusion: Dinner Just Got Easier
There you have it—a quick, delicious, and foolproof Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to please the whole family.
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that Instant Pot, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking. And hey, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations!
Looking for More Italian Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen:
- Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
- Crusty Italian Sandwich Rolls Recipe
- Fried Italian Sweet Peppers
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Coffee Mate Italian Sweet Cream Recipe
Try these recipes and bring the taste of Italy to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this Italian Chicken Pasta recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
