Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Hey y'all! If you crave a comforting, creamy, and ultra-flavorful pasta dish that comes together in a snap, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot) is your new dinner hero. Succulent chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic cream sauce mean cozy vibes any night of the week—whether it’s a busy Monday or a laid-back weekend gathering. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in your Instant Pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
Rich & Satisfying: The creamy garlic sauce is downright irresistible and clings perfectly to every bite.

Quick & Easy: On the table in under 35 minutes—just set it and forget it!
Family Friendly: Mild flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Easily swap proteins or add veggies for variety.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced

5 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth
12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken & Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then the chicken pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Pasta & Liquid

Add the dried pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged, but do not stir (this helps prevent the dreaded burn notice).

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 5 minutes. When finished, quick release the pressure.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Open the lid, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Notes for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

For extra depth, use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano. Learn more about Italian cheeses here.
Always quick-release pressure for pasta recipes to avoid overcooking—Instant Pot tips from Pressure Cook Recipes.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture and best melting.

Variations on Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

Spinach & Mushroom: Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 1 cup sliced mushrooms before pressure cooking.
Spicy Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with the salt and pepper for a zesty twist.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Mix in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves after cooking.

Required Equipment

6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring cups & spoons

Storage Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the creamy sauce.

Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce can separate.

Serving & Pairing Ideas for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-style meal.
Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing accompaniment.

Pro Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
Add heavy cream after pressure cooking to keep the sauce silky (learn about why cream sauces can break here).

Always grate your cheese fresh for optimal melting and flavor.

FAQ: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy—just cut them to the same size.
Can I make this gluten-free?: Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes as they can get mushy fast.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?: Stir in additional Parmesan or let it rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken up before serving.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)