Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a dinner that’s ready faster than you can say Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken ? Honestly, this is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver.

It's all about that creamy, garlicky goodness, and it's proper lush.

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by classic Italian-American comfort food. It comes together in under 30 minutes, and the Instant Pot does most of the work.

This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or cheeky leftovers.

Main Benefits

This one-pot chicken pasta recipe is packed with protein. It makes it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal. It's the perfect thing to serve on a busy weeknight when you need something quick and easy.

What makes it special? It's delicious without a lot of fuss.

Getting Started

Right, let's talk ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta . You'll need some chicken, obviously. About 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed.

Grab your pasta – penne or rotini work best, about 1 lb (450g).

Don't forget the aromatics! You'll need olive oil, an onion, and loads of garlic. About 4 cloves, minced. Plus, some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

We’re talking the essentials for building flavour. You need about 4 cups (950 ml) of low-sodium chicken broth. It helps to tie everything together.

Now for the creamy bit, ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream. Parmesan cheese too, about ½ cup (50g), grated.

A bit of parsley to garnish it all up is good, if you like. It looks nice and fresh, but it is optional.

That's your shopping list sorted. Now, let's get cooking this Instant Pot Chicken Pasta .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta presentation

So, you want to dive into the wonderful world of Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken ? Sweet! First, let's gather our supplies.

Don't worry, it's not rocket science. I promise! I will show you the basic ingredients and equipment needed for this Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe .

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Precise

Alright, pay attention here as we need to measure all items precisely! It will affect the end result so that your family is able to call it "Delish"!

Chicken: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Pasta: 1 lb ( 450g ) pasta, penne or rotini.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ).
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Gotta love that garlic punch!
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp .
Salt: ½ tsp .
Black Pepper: ¼ tsp .
Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 950 ml ), low sodium.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). This is what makes it gorgeously creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup ( 50g ), grated, plus more for garnish.

For the chicken, look for breasts that are plump and pink. It's all about that fresh look. Using a great quality parmesan cheese is essential for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish!

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

Italian seasoning is your best friend here. It’s a super easy spice combination . Got no Italian seasoning? Substitute it with a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Easy peasy!

Garlic is the true flavor enhancer . Freshly minced is best, trust me. It is worth it!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don’t need a load of fancy gadgets for this One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe .

Instant Pot (6-quart or larger): Obvs! It's called Instant Pot Chicken Pasta for a reason!
Measuring cups and spoons.
Chef's knife: Sharp is key.
Cutting board: Protect your worktop.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.

Don’t have a proper chef’s knife? Any sturdy knife will do in a pinch. Instead of measuring cups, you could use regular mugs, just make sure they're all the same size for consistency.

Now you are good to cook this Easy Weeknight Dinner dish! Enjoy!

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Weeknight Winner!

Oh my gosh, you guys! Are you ready for the easiest, most comforting weeknight dinner ever? This Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken pasta recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Seriously, I'm talking faster than ordering a takeaway but way more delicious. And the best part? It's all cooked in one pot! Less washing up is always a win in my book.

This One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is inspired by those classic Italian-American dishes. It's what you want after a long day – a total hug in a bowl! It takes 25 minutes to make.

Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are smothered in a super creamy garlic sauce. Let's get started!

Prep Steps: Essential Mise en Place

First things first: let's get organised. Dice your onion and mince the garlic. Chop the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Grate your Parmesan.

Get your chicken broth ready. This is called "mise en place" – fancy, right? It just means having everything in place before you start cooking.

It saves so much time.

Safety first! Always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. Use a separate cutting board for meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Step-by-Step Process: The Magic Happens

Okay, here’s how we make the magic happen:

Sauté Aromatics: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes . Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Sauté for another minute. It should smell amazing!
Add Chicken: Add the cubed chicken. Cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Make sure to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom. Deglazing is essential for preventing the "burn" message, trust me!. Add 1 lb of pasta, making sure it's all covered in the broth.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes .
Natural Pressure Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes . Then, quick-release any remaining pressure.
Stir in Cream and Cheese: Carefully remove the lid. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional) and more Parmesan. Dig in!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Garlic Chicken Pasta Instant Pot Recipe

Don't overcook the pasta! Stick to the 5-minute cook time. Overcooked pasta turns to mush – no one wants that. I've learned this the hard way, believe me!
Use freshly grated Parmesan. The pre-grated stuff just doesn't melt as well. Splurge for the good stuff!.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Too thin? Simmer on sauté mode to reduce it. You know? Adjust it to your liking.

This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta is a definite crowd-pleaser, and it's so easy to customize. Feel free to add your favourite veggies or spice it up with some red pepper flakes.

Honestly, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is going to be on repeat at your house. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken

So, you're about to whip up some Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken , yeah? Awesome! Let's quickly run through some extra nuggets of wisdom.

These are things I've learned along the way, and I promise they will make your life easier. Honestly, it's all about making this easy weeknight dinner even easier.

Plating Like a Pro and Pairing Perfection

How to make your Instant Pot Chicken Pasta look amazing? Okay, think about it. A swirl of parsley on top makes it look super fancy.

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan? Always a good idea. For a side, how about some garlic bread. Mop up that creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta sauce! A crisp green salad is perfect.

It cuts through the richness. If you like a beverage, a light white wine would be ideal.

Storage Hacks: Fridge and Freezer

Got leftovers of this creamy garlic chicken pasta goodness? Store it in an airtight container. It's good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Wanna freeze it? Cool it down completely first. Then, pop it in a freezer-safe container. It'll keep for about 2 months.

Reheating? Microwave or stovetop, add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. That way, it will turn into a Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe

Remixing It: Adaptations & Swaps

Want to shake things up? No worries! Sub gluten-free pasta. Now it's a gluten-free meal! Want to bulk up the veggies? Throw in some spinach or broccoli.

You can even try this Garlic Chicken Pasta Instant Pot Recipe with shrimp instead of chicken. How very posh!. Get creative, have fun and adapt to your taste.

Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, the nutritional info is a rough estimate, but here's the deal. Each serving is roughly 550 calories. Also 40 grams of protein.

And 25 grams of fat. This one-pot chicken pasta recipe gives you a good amount of protein, thanks to the chicken.

Remember, these are just approximations.

I really believe you are all set to create an amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

And don't stress if it's not perfect. Every dish is a learning experience. Now, go forth and cook!

Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Ultimate OnePot Instant Pot Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe if I don't have heavy cream?

Absolutely! While heavy cream provides the richest flavor, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even milk. Just be aware that the sauce might not be as thick and creamy. If you use milk, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end to help thicken it up – a trick straight from Grandma's kitchen!

My Instant Pot keeps giving me the "burn" notice! What am I doing wrong with this Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken?

The dreaded "burn" notice! This usually happens when food is stuck to the bottom of the pot. Make sure you thoroughly deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken by scraping up all those browned bits with the chicken broth. Also, ensure there's enough liquid in the pot – the pasta needs to be fully submerged. If you're still having trouble, try layering the ingredients with the pasta on top, away from the direct heat.

Can I add vegetables to this Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Definitely! Adding veggies is a great way to boost the nutritional value. Stir in chopped broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking (after the pressure is released and you've added the cream and cheese). You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so don't add them at the very beginning.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken? Will it still taste good?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so it might be a little drier when reheated. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stovetop will do the trick – just don't overcook it!

Is there a way to make this Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken lighter, calorie-wise?

Yes! You can lighten it up by using chicken broth instead of olive oil for sautéing, swapping heavy cream for a lower-fat option like evaporated milk or half-and-half, and using whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a reduced-fat variety. Serve with a big side salad to make it a complete and lighter meal, good on ya!