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Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a one-pot creamy chicken pasta for the whole family. If you want a meal that practically makes itself, add this chicken Alfredo Instant Pot recipe to your pressure cooker collection!
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Why you'll love this recipe
Calling all busy people and pressure cooker newbies! Get ready to crush dinner with the best Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo.
Just like my Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole, this toss-and-go pasta recipe practically makes itself into a delectable dinner in minutes. It's creamy, comforting, and family-loved, even the little ones devour it!
In fact, many families have told me it rivals my Taco Pasta in convenience, comfort, and flavor. I concur wholeheartedly.
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo ingredient notes
- fettuccine - You can use any pasta of equal thickness, such as elbow macaroni or bow ties. I don't recommend thin varieties, such as shells, angel hair, or spaghetti noodles because they'll likely overcook in said cooking time.
- water - Any cooking liquid will work, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- heavy cream - This is the one dairy liquid that actually holds up in the pressure cooker without curdling. Visit the 'Recipe Variations' section below for alternatives.
- butter - Or olive oil in equal amounts.
- fresh garlic - Garlic powder is fine if it's what you have on hand, but fresh garlic adds a more authentic, robust flavor to this entree.
- boneless skinless chicken breast - Boneless thighs can also be used, however I do not recommend bone-in chicken because it requires longer cooking time, which overcooks the pasta.
- salt and pepper - These can be added before pressure cooking, or to taste at any point after cooking.
- shredded Parmesan cheese - This essential ingredient gives Alfredo sauce its creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor. Grated Romano can be used in its place.
- parsley - Optional, of course, but recommended for a pop of color and flavor.
How to make this recipe
This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe is simple and straightforward as you will see in these step by step photos with instructions. Feel free to skip down to the full, printable recipe below.
Step 1. Break fettuccine noodles in half and scatter in crisscross patterns in the Instant Pot. Add water and press pasta under liquid to submerge.
Step 2. Lay chicken breasts flat on top of noodles. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3. Close and lock lid. Set pressure release valve to "Sealing" position. Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" 5 minutes on HIGH.
Steps 4-7. Let the pot sit undisturbed for a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). Carefully turn pressure release valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam. Press "Cancel", open the lid and insert a meat thermometer in the chicken breast to confirm a 165 degrees Fahrenheit minimum internal temperature. Transfer chicken to a covered dish and set aside for a few minutes.
Step 8. Gently stir the pasta to combine ingredients. It won't look pretty – yet. There will be very little, if any, excess liquid that will naturally absorb into the pasta. Loosely cover and rest pasta a few minutes, if needed.
Step 9. Add Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Gently stir everything together to melt the cheese and coat the noodles.
Step 10. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add back to the pasta. Gently stir to combine. Feel free to adjust flavor with more salt and pepper, or add more cheese as desired.
To serve, garnish with fresh parsley, serve warm, and watch it disappear!
Recipe tips
This chicken Alfredo Instant Pot recipe is well-tested and well-loved by countless readers, including Instant Pot beginners! Take it from them, if you stray from the recipe, or if your cooking process is interrupted, even accidentally, you can expect unintended results, such as overcooking, under-cooking, too wet, too dry, clumpy, etc etc.
- It is important to use fully thawed chicken breast for this recipe in order for it to reach the safe minimum internal temperature with given instructions.
- Do not skip the full 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR) because the chicken and fettuccine are still cooking.
- If the chicken breast doesn't reach the minimum temperature, which is uncommon with this recipe, place it back on top of the pasta and run another 1-minute high pressure cook cycle with 5-minute natural release until it's fully cooked.
- To reheat, use a medium heat setting on your microwave or stove, adding a splash of dairy liquid to revive the moisture, as needed.
Recipe variations
- If you double the chicken, I recommend doubling the entire recipe for optimal results, which also requires an 8-quart pressure cooker in order to stay under the 'max fill' line.
- If using precooked chicken or turkey, add it after the pasta is cooked because it will dry out in the pressure cooker since it's fully cooked.
- When heavy cream isn't an option, other dairy liquids, such as half and half or milk, may be added after pressure cooking. Do this during step 8 of the recipe, using half the stated amount of heavy cream.
- You can stir in 4 to 8 ounces of cream cheese to the cooked pasta add even more flavor and richness.
Serving ideas
Any of these sides can be made while the chicken Alfredo cooks in the Instant Pot. They're so convenient and definitely delicious!
- Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
- Lemony Kale Salad
- Garlicky Oven Roasted Mushrooms
- Homemade French Bread
- Crostini Bread
Recommended pasta recipes
- Chicken Penne alla Vodka
- Homemade Beef Stroganoff
- Lasagna Soup for Instant Pot or Stove
- Baked Feta Pasta [Tiktok viral pasta]
- One Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Spaghetti
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Uncooked Fettuccine Noodles
- 4 cups Water, or broth
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast(s), leave whole
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or fresh grated
- Parsley (optional for garnish), ¼ cup chopped
Instructions
- Break FETTUCCINE noodles in half and scatter in crisscross patterns in the Instant Pot. Add WATER. Push the pasta under the liquid to submerge.
- Lay whole CHICKEN BREASTS on top of the noodles. Add HEAVY CREAM, BUTTER, GARLIC, SALT, and PEPPER.*See recipe footnote to substitute heavy cream.
- Secure the lid. Turn pressure release valve to the "Sealing" position. Select "Manual" or "Pressure cook" on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
- When pressure cook cycle completes, let the pot sit undisturbed for a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
- Carefully turn the pressure valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining steam. Press "Cancel" on the Instant Pot and carefully open the lid.Note: When you open the lid, it's normal to see excess liquid on top of the pasta. This gets absorbed by the pasta AND helps develop the sauce texture.
- Insert a meat thermometer into chicken to confirm a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.Note: It may actually be several degrees higher, especially if using smaller breasts.
- Transfer chicken to a covered dish and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, gently stir the pasta to distribute the excess liquid throughout. Cover the cooker and rest for five minutes until the pasta absorbs the liquid, as needed.
- Add PARMESAN CHEESE and gently toss to coat the noodles.
- Shred the chicken and stir it back into the pasta. Garnish with PARSLEY, serve, and devour!
- To store, cool the pasta completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to five days.
Recipe Notes
- It is important to use fully thawed chicken breast for this recipe in order for it to reach the safe minimum internal temperature with given instructions.
- Do not skip the full 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR) because the chicken and fettuccine are still cooking.
- If the chicken breast doesn't reach minimum temperature, which is uncommon with this recipe, place it on the pasta and run another 1-minute high pressure cook cycle with 5-minute natural release until it's fully cooked.
- To reheat, use a medium heat setting on your microwave or stove, adding a splash of dairy liquid to revive the moisture.
- Here are some noteworthy recipe variations you might enjoy!
Kaylee says
Hi can I use chicken breast from frozen in this recipe?
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi! I don't recommend it because it won't cook properly in the given pressure cook time. Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂 Thanks!
Kelly says
This was good. The noodles & sauce were perfect, but my chicken was a bit bland and chewy. When I checked it after the npr, it was almost 165, so I covered it & let it sit for 5 minutes. It shredded easily, so I don't think it was over cooked. I also added salt & pepper. Anyone else experience this or have any suggestions? Maybe if I push it into the sauce it may be more flavorful? Thanks.
The Kitchen Girl says
Actually, chicken overcooks if it goes much above 145°F. Also, yours raised another 5° during your 5 minute rest, so it hit 170°F. That would certainly account for chewy texture. As for flavor, the recipe instructs to stir the chicken into the Alfredo sauce, which is quite salty from the Parmesan cheese. But, you're welcome to add more, or other seasonings. Lmk if you have other questions. Thanks!
Dee Smith says
Just tried this recipe and turned out pretty good. I am cooking for 1 person. Can your recipes be cut down or in half? If so, does it change the time for cooking? I have printed several of your recipes and can't wait to try more of them.
The Kitchen Girl says
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, all of my recipes can be halved with no change in pressure cook time. Be sure to observe recipe yields for each one bc some yield as little as 6 cups. I would not halve those unless you have a 3 quart pot. 8 cups or more, go for it! Let me know if you have other questions. Thanks!
Debbie says
Sounds delicious can I use boneless thighs
The Kitchen Girl says
Yes! In fact the recipe calls for boneless thighs 🙂 I don't recommend bone-in thighs because they take longer to cook and the pasta will overcook. Let me know if you have further questions. Enjoy!
Pam says
Hi Traci,
Did you use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream? Just curious my grocery stores only carry whipping cream. I can buy the powder through amazon though lol Just curious what you used. ty Pam
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Pam, they are interchangeable. Thanks for asking and enjoy the recipe.
Pam says
Thank you for the reply and I have to say this recipe is the best and easiest out there 100* in my book 🙂 My son is coming home from the Army Saturday and he can't wait to try this .
The Kitchen Girl says
Awww you're so welcome and I'm glad you're as crazy about this chicken alfredo as I am. Enjoy that precious time with your son. I'm honored to be part of your experience in this way. Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂 xoxo
Annie B says
This recipe looks delicious, but I would need to halve the recipe. I assume I halve all the ingredients, but would I need to adjust timing at all?
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Annie, you can cut it in half but keep the same timing. Hope you enjoy as much as we do 🙂 Thanks!
Lori says
I made this for dinner tonight. Excellent. My husband loved it. I just added a little extra S&P at the end and it was a perfect weeknight meal with leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Thank you and so appreciate...from Phoenix.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome!!! Sounds like you love it like we do 🙂 I truly appreciate this feedback...I'm so glad you enjoyed!
Renee says
second time making this. My family loves it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Renee! It's popular in our house too 🙂 I always look forward to Chicken Alfredo night. Thanks for taking the time to let me know...really appreciate it
Mkenzie says
I made this, but I doubled the noodles and water. I also added sour cream, spices, mushrooms, onions and broccoli. Sooo good! I was nervous that the pasta would stick together or be too hard, but it was perfect!
Thank you!!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Mkenzie! So glad you gave it a go and experimented. Love those add-ins...we do something similar 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to review...much appreciated!
Jessica says
Delicious!! Perfect for a night where I don't feel like cooking. The kids LOVED it. Next time I will add some bacon and serve with veggies.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay, Jessica! Always a WIN when the kids give it the thumbs up too! BIG thanks for taking the time to leave feedback. SO appreciated Happy to you and yours!
Jeff says
This chicken alfredo beats the socks off jarred alfredo and just as easy! I'm no cook, but this dish makes me look like one. Highly recommend following this recipe TO A TEE bc Instant Pot Alfredo can be tricky. Pro tip: add bacon or peas or whatever "after" everything has cooked
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome! I love it that a one-pot, dump-and-start alfredo pasta can make a rockstar dinner maker out of a non-cook. Win win!!! Thank you 🙂
Victoria Shanley says
I misread the noodle measurements so now I have double ... so just doubled the liquid. My husband is not normally a pasta kind of guy but is excited for lunch tomorrow he asked for the leftovers. Winner in our house.
The Kitchen Girl says
Best review evah! Seriously...I love the happy accident and BIG win with the hubs ❤️ Thank you for letting me know
JB says
Very delicious alfredo pasta. So easy to just dump ingredients in and start. It cooks fast and keeps us from going hangry. Not really sure why I hear people say to NOT add dairy during pressure cook - we do it with this alfredo and it works every time!
Dale says
This was simple to execute and was yum yum and as you stated at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for sharing!
Traci Antonovich says
You're so very welcome, Dale 🙂 Really glad you enjoyed and thanks for letting me know...cheers!
Pavani says
WOW, alfredo pasta in the instant pot - that is such a terrific idea. My pasta and cheese loving kids will love this. Thanks for sharing this easy IP dish.
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks, Pavani! Instant Pot alfredo is definitely revolutionary. I mean, hands-free alfredo, right? Enjoy!!!
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
I can make alfredo in an IP? GENIUS! Chicken Alfredo is one of my favorite things on the planet and this recipe makes it so effortless!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks, Marie-Charlotte! I'm right there with you on IP Chicken Alfredo LOL. Cheers to that!
Deanne says
Totally drooling over your alfredo pasta - I'm getting my Instant Pot out ASAP!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Deanne 😉 You GO girl! Enjoy!
Dannii says
This is one of my favorite comforting pasta dishes and such a great idea to do it in the instant pot.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Danni...right there with you 🙂
Haley D Williams says
This looks so good! I love finding new instant pot recipes to try out! Cannot wait!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Haley! So glad you can enjoy this one...Cheers!
Janice says
Looks great! Just one question - should we slice or cut up the raw chicken before placing it in the instant pot? What did you do? Thanks!
Traci Antonovich says
Excellent question, Janice. I just added notes to the recipe about this very thing. In short, you can do either. I prefer to leave it whole because it means less handling of raw chicken, fewer dishes, and juicier results. Thanks for asking! 🙂
Heidy says
Very cool I haven't tried this type of recipe in my IP so I'm excited to see it comes out.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Heidy! So glad you can enjoy this recipe 🙂
Emily Liao says
I love chicken alfredo, and being able to make this in an instant pot is even better!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Emily! I love chicken alfredo too! This recipe is so quick and easy too 🙂
Pamela says
Absolutely loved how fast and delicious this meal is!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Pamela 🙂 Lovvvve hearing this!
Elizabeth says
What a gorgeous recipe! This is going to be a regular in our Instant Pot menu rotation, thank you!
Traci Antonovich says
Awww thanks so much, Elizabeth! I'm glad to hear it!!! 🙂
Toni says
So quick and easy! This meal is perfect for weeknights!
Traci Antonovich says
Indeed, Toni! We can't believe how quick and easy it really is! Thanks 🙂