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Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

4.95 from 132 votes
Total 25 minutes
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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!

Chicken Alfredo in black bowl with fork twisting up noodles

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Table of Contents hide
1) Why you'll love this recipe
2) Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo ingredient notes
3) How to make this recipe
4) Recipe tips
5) Recipe variations
6) Serving ideas
7) Recommended pasta recipes
8) 📖 Recipe
9) Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

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.
measured Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo ingredients labeled

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.

uncooked fettuccine pasta and water in Instant Pot
chicken breasts and heavy cream in Instant Pot

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.

overhead view of Instant Pot lid
meat thermometer inserted in cooked chicken breast inside Instant Pot

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.

Parmesan cheese on top of chicken Alfredo in Instant Pot
cooked Alfredo pasta in Instant Pot

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.

chicken breast in white pan being shredded with utensils
shredded chicken breast and cooked Alfredo pasta in Instant Pot

To serve, garnish with fresh parsley, serve warm, and watch it disappear!

chicken Alfredo in Instant Pot

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!

Recommended pasta recipes

📖 Recipe

chicken Alfredo in Instant Pot

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a toss-and-go one pot pasta with tender noodles and juicy chicken in a silky cream sauce (not from a jar). Chicken Alfredo for Instant Pot is perfect for busy people AND pressure cooker beginners.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total time25 minutes
Yield 8 cups
Author Traci
4.95 from 132 votes
Print Pin it for later 📌

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Note about scaling

When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.

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 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 a crisscross pattern in the Instant Pot. Add WATER, then press the noodles down to fully submerge.
  • Lay whole CHICKEN BREASTS on top of the noodles. Add HEAVY CREAM, BUTTER, GARLIC, SALT, and PEPPER.
    * See the recipe notes if using half-and-half.
  • Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
  • When the cooking cycle ends, let the pot sit undisturbed for a full 10-minute natural pressure release. Do not skip this step.
  • After the 10-minute natural release, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam. Press Cancel and open the lid.
  • Note: It’s normal to see extra liquid on top of the pasta. Gently stir to combine.
  • Insert a meat thermometer into the chicken breast to confirm it has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. It may be slightly higher, especially if using smaller chicken breasts.
  • Transfer chicken to a covered plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Cover the pasta and let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the remaining liquid. This helps the sauce form.
  • Add PARMESAN CHEESE and gently toss to coat the noodles.
  • Shred the chicken and return it to the pasta. Garnish with optional PARSLEY and serve.
  • To store: cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Did you make this? We'd love your feedback!!Please rate and review it here or below ⤵️

Recipe Notes

This Instant Pot chicken Alfredo has been made and loved by countless readers, including many who made it as their first Instant Pot meal. For best results, follow the ingredient amounts, layering, cook time, and natural release as written.
Chicken temperature – use fully thawed chicken breasts so they reach 165°F with the listed cook time. if needed, return chicken to the pasta, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 1 more minute, followed by a 5-minute natural release.
Heavy cream behavior – heavy cream can be pressure-cooked in this recipe. It may look slightly separated after cooking, but it will smooth out when stirred.
Half-and-half substitute – use ½ cup and stir it in after pressure cooking to prevent curdling.
Using milk instead – milk can also be added after cooking, using the same method as half-and-half, but the sauce will be lighter and less creamy.
Precooked chicken – if using cooked chicken or turkey, stir it in after pressure cooking to prevent it from drying out.
Doubling the recipe – many readers have successfully doubled this recipe, but an 8-quart pressure cooker is required since it exceeds the capacity of a 6-quart cooker.
Cream cheese option – stir in 4 to 8 ounces after cooking for a richer, thicker sauce.
Reheating – warm gently and add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 877IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.

Course Dinner Recipes, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
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Traci

About Traci

I’m the recipe author, photographer, and videographer behind The Kitchen Girl food blog established in 2013. I test and share all of my original recipes here so you can make great food with simple ingredients for everyday meals and special occasions.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.95 from 132 votes (79 ratings without comment)

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  1. Kaylee says

    Hi can I use chicken breast from frozen in this recipe?

    Reply

    • 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!

  2. Kelly says

    4 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • 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!

  3. Dee Smith says

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • 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!

  4. Debbie says

    Sounds delicious can I use boneless thighs

    Reply

    • 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!

  5. 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

    Reply

    • The Kitchen Girl says

      Hi Pam, they are interchangeable. Thanks for asking and enjoy the recipe.

    • Pam says

      5 stars
      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

  6. 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?

    Reply

    • 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!

  7. Lori says

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • The Kitchen Girl says

      Awesome!!! Sounds like you love it like we do 🙂 I truly appreciate this feedback...I'm so glad you enjoyed!

  8. Renee says

    5 stars
    second time making this. My family loves it!

    Reply

    • 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

  9. Mkenzie says

    5 stars
    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!!

    Reply

    • 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!

  10. Jessica says

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • 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!

  11. Jeff says

    5 stars
    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

    Reply

    • 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 🙂

  12. Victoria Shanley says

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • 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

  13. JB says

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

  14. Dale says

    5 stars
    This was simple to execute and was yum yum and as you stated at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      You're so very welcome, Dale 🙂 Really glad you enjoyed and thanks for letting me know...cheers!

  15. Pavani says

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Haha thanks, Pavani! Instant Pot alfredo is definitely revolutionary. I mean, hands-free alfredo, right? Enjoy!!!

  16. Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Haha thanks, Marie-Charlotte! I'm right there with you on IP Chicken Alfredo LOL. Cheers to that!

  17. Deanne says

    5 stars
    Totally drooling over your alfredo pasta - I'm getting my Instant Pot out ASAP!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Thanks, Deanne 😉 You GO girl! Enjoy!

  18. Dannii says

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite comforting pasta dishes and such a great idea to do it in the instant pot.

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Thanks, Danni...right there with you 🙂

  19. Haley D Williams says

    5 stars
    This looks so good! I love finding new instant pot recipes to try out! Cannot wait!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Thanks, Haley! So glad you can enjoy this one...Cheers!

  20. 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!

    Reply

    • 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! 🙂

  21. Heidy says

    5 stars
    Very cool I haven't tried this type of recipe in my IP so I'm excited to see it comes out.

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Awesome, Heidy! So glad you can enjoy this recipe 🙂

  22. Emily Liao says

    5 stars
    I love chicken alfredo, and being able to make this in an instant pot is even better!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Thanks, Emily! I love chicken alfredo too! This recipe is so quick and easy too 🙂

  23. Pamela says

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved how fast and delicious this meal is!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Thanks, Pamela 🙂 Lovvvve hearing this!

  24. Elizabeth says

    5 stars
    What a gorgeous recipe! This is going to be a regular in our Instant Pot menu rotation, thank you!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Awww thanks so much, Elizabeth! I'm glad to hear it!!! 🙂

  25. Toni says

    5 stars
    So quick and easy! This meal is perfect for weeknights!

    Reply

    • Traci Antonovich says

      Indeed, Toni! We can't believe how quick and easy it really is! Thanks 🙂