Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
This Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy and packed with comforting garlic parmesan flavor in every bite. Tender chicken, pasta and a creamy garlic sauce come together quickly in the Instant Pot making this an easy weeknight dinner recipe the whole family will love.
If you are looking for an easy Instant Pot pasta recipe that feels cozy, hearty and restaurant worthy without spending hours in the kitchen, this creamy garlic chicken pasta is exactly the kind of comfort food dinner you need.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Rich creamy garlic parmesan sauce
- Easy Instant Pot dinner recipe
- Perfect weeknight comfort food
- Tender flavorful chicken
- One pot pasta recipe
- Family friendly dinner
- Ready in about 30 minutes
This recipe continues to fit perfectly into quick comfort food dinner trends because creamy chicken pasta recipes remain some of the most popular family dinner searches online.
What Makes This Instant Pot Pasta So Good?
The Instant Pot creates creamy pasta dishes quickly because everything cooks together in one pot allowing the pasta to absorb all the rich garlic chicken flavor while staying tender and creamy.
The cream cheese, parmesan and heavy cream combine into a smooth garlic parmesan sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is one of those meals that feels like restaurant comfort food take out while still being simple enough for a busy Tuesday night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- chicken breast
- olive oil
- onion
- penne pasta
- chicken broth
- butter
- heavy cream
- cream cheese
- parmesan cheese
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast becomes tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot while soaking up all the creamy garlic sauce. Slice the chicken into strips or bite sized pieces for easier serving.
Penne Pasta
Penne works especially well because the creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta ridges. Other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini can also work well.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese helps create the rich creamy texture that makes this garlic chicken pasta extra comforting.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds salty savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning gives the dish warm herby flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and parmesan.
Please note: Making changes to any recipe as written can result in a recipe failure.
Any substitutions or variations listed are simple or tried and true changes that we think will work in this recipe.
Results are not guaranteed.
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper.
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the chicken with olive oil for several minutes until lightly browned. Add the onion while cooking.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
Turn off the Instant Pot and pour in part of the chicken broth scraping the bottom of the pot well.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Add the uncooked penne pasta and remaining chicken broth.
Secure the lid and pressure cook.
Step 4: Release Pressure
Carefully release the pressure once cooking is complete.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan cheese and extra Italian seasoning until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Deglaze the pot well to avoid burn notices
- Stir gently after pressure cooking
- Use freshly grated parmesan for smoother melting
- Slice chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Add spinach or tomatoes for extra flavor and color
Many Instant Pot pasta recipes work best when enough liquid remains for the pasta to fully absorb while pressure cooking.
Easy Variations
Spinach Garlic Chicken Pasta
Add fresh spinach at the end until wilted.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Shrimp Garlic Pasta
Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood version.
Bacon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Add crispy bacon pieces for smoky flavor.
Vegetable Garlic Pasta
Add asparagus, mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra vegetables.
The original post itself even encourages experimenting with vegetables and proteins which helps make this recipe very versatile.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with:
- garlic bread
- side salads
- roasted vegetables
- asparagus
- broccoli
- Caesar salad
- green beans
- breadsticks
Creamy pasta recipes are especially popular for cozy dinners, date nights and comfort food meals.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover creamy garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- warm gently on the stovetop
- microwave in short intervals stirring often
- add a splash of cream or broth if needed
Cream based pasta sauces naturally thicken as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, rotini and similar pasta shapes work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus are all great additions.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Cream sauces often thicken as they cool. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well in this recipe.
Is creamy garlic chicken pasta good for meal prep?
Yes. This pasta reheats well making it great for leftovers and meal prep lunches.
Are you ready to make Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta?
You will absolutely love the rich, creaminess as well as the wonderful flavors throughout. It’s truly delicious and incredibly hearty.
This is definitely a great weeknight dinner, great date night pasta or a fun dish for girls night in.
PLEASE NOTE:
While we have provided a jump to recipe button, please note that by skipping the copy, you are missing useful information on ingredients and techniques, substitutions, frequently asked questions with responses, tips and a lot more information that might be useful for troubleshooting or making the recipe.
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pounds chicken breast seasoned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup onion finely chopped
- 16 ounces penne noodles
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3-4 Tablespoons dried Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Season your chicken with a combination of Italian Seasoning, Garlic, Salt and pepper and slice into strips.
- Turn on your Instant Pot, and press the saute button. Adjust the settings to high and saute the chicken on all sides for about 3-5 minutes. Add onion about halfway through.
- Turn the unit off. Using a spatula and half of the chicken stock, deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add the penne noodles and the rest of the chicken stock.
- Replace the lid and lock it in place. Make sure you vent is sealed.
- Press your manual button and change the settings to 4 minutes. Release the pressure.
- Open the lid, and gently stir in the cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan and Italian Seasoning.
- After everything has melted, taste test to see if you need to add anything like more garlic, Parmesan, or Italian Seasoning. Serve and Enjoy your Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Always happy for another Instant Pot recipe. I’m sure this dish will be a hit in our household.
For someone who has hypermesis during her pregnancy, this is a dish I could eat over and over again. Loved it.
Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky. Sauteed chicken thighs in lots of Italian seasoning; removed them, deglazed the pan, sauteed garlic and onions. Put the chicken back in after slicing into bite-sized chunks, with the rest of ingredients, but used Caveletti pasta instead of penne. High pressure for 10 minutes, natural release for 5. The pasta is cooked perfectly and the chicken is moist. Now to foist it on the family…
This chicken pasta was super delicious and creamy! It will definitely become one of our family’s favorite recipes. Thank you.