Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a quick and flavorful meal that makes for a perfect one-pot dish, ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe features juicy shredded chicken breasts, fettuccine, cream, and Parmesan cheese, and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts, cut in half)
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 teaspoons salt and pepper
- 10 oz fettuccine noodles, broken in half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Place the broken fettuccine noodles on top of the liquid, pressing them down. Lay the chicken breasts over the noodles.
- Seal the Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, lock it, and set the knob to the sealing position.
- Cook: Set the cooking time to 6-7 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After 5 minutes, release any remaining pressure, open the lid, and remove the chicken. Stir the pasta mixture; it may appear watery but will thicken as it cools.
- Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well, adding more cheese if the sauce is too thin.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside garlic bread or salad.
Important Tips
- While fettuccine is recommended, other pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti can also be used.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese to ensure a creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream is preferable for a thicker sauce; if using whipping cream, consider adding more Parmesan to adjust the thickness.
- If the sauce seems thin after cooking, it will thicken as it cools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, but leftover rotisserie chicken can also be used.
How to reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of milk and reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Whole milk can be used with cornflour or extra Parmesan to thicken the sauce. For a lighter option, skimmed fat-free milk and cornstarch can be used.
Can I add shrimp or vegetables?
Shrimp can be added; just adjust cooking times based on their size. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots can also be included for a heartier meal.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a family-friendly dish that combines convenience and flavor, making it a weekly favorite. If you enjoy this recipe, consider sharing it on social media and trying other delicious chicken recipes like Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, or Chicken Alfredo with Shrimp Pasta.
