Looking for a quick and creamy dinner idea? You’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! My Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo is not just simple; it’s packed with rich flavors that everyone will love. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Trust me, this comfort food classic will become a weeknight favorite in your house. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 pound fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The base of this dish is simple yet flavorful. Start with 1 pound of chicken breast, diced into small pieces. This chicken adds protein and makes the meal filling. The olive oil, 2 tablespoons, helps brown the chicken.
Next, we use 3 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic gives this dish its rich aroma and taste. A key flavor booster is 4 cups of chicken broth, which keeps everything moist while cooking.
The pasta you need is 1 pound of fettuccine. It pairs perfectly with creamy sauces. For the creamy goodness, 1 cup of heavy cream is essential.
Don’t forget the cheese! 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese brings that classic Alfredo flavor. For seasoning, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Finally, for a touch of freshness, add chopped parsley as a garnish. This not only looks nice but also adds a pop of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delicious creamy chicken Alfredo. Enjoy gathering these simple ingredients for a great meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Chicken
– Set Instant Pot to sauté mode
– Brown diced chicken for 5 minutes
First, I turn on the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. I add two tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Next, I toss in one pound of diced chicken breast. I let it cook for about five minutes. I stir it occasionally until it turns nice and brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
Add Garlic
– Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute
After the chicken is browned, I add three cloves of minced garlic. I sauté the garlic for just one minute. This step fills the kitchen with a lovely smell. It makes the dish even more delicious.
Combine Broth and Pasta
– Pour in chicken broth and add pasta
Now, I pour in four cups of chicken broth. Then, I add one pound of fettuccine pasta. I make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. I avoid stirring at this point to keep the pasta from clumping together.
Pressure Cook
– Close lid, set to sealing, cook for 8 minutes
Next, I close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. I select the manual or pressure cook option and set the timer for eight minutes. This cooking time is perfect for the pasta and chicken to become tender.
Release Pressure
– Quick release the pressure, open lid
When the cooking cycle is complete, I carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. I wait for the steam to escape before I open the lid. This step is important for safety.
Stir in Cream and Cheese
– Mix in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and spices
Once the lid is off, I switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Then, I stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. I also add one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. I mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Adjust Consistency
– Add broth or cream to adjust the sauce
If the sauce seems too thick, I can add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps reach my desired sauce consistency. I want it creamy but not too heavy.
Serve
– Garnish with parsley and serve hot
Finally, I serve the dish hot. I garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor. This adds a nice touch to my creamy chicken Alfredo.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
To get a smooth and creamy sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. This helps it mix well. If you pour it all at once, it may clump. Stir gently as you add it in. This keeps the sauce silky and lovely.
When cooking the pasta, make sure it is fully submerged in the broth. Do not stir it right away. This step helps avoid clumping. If you do mix it, the pasta may stick together.
Cooking Time Adjustments
You can adjust the cooking time based on how you like your pasta. If you want it softer, add a minute or two. For firmer pasta, stick to the eight minutes.
Also, if you prefer a thicker sauce, use less broth. If you like it thinner, add a splash more of broth or cream. Find the balance that works for you.
Instant Pot Safety Tips
Always check that the lid is sealed properly before cooking. This ensures the pot builds pressure. For a quick release, turn the valve carefully. Keep your hands clear of the steam.
Avoid common mistakes, like not adding enough liquid. This can cause the pot to burn food. Always follow the recipe’s liquid guidelines for the best results.

Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly, just a few minutes. For shrimp, cook for about 2-3 minutes on high pressure. Tofu needs a bit longer, around 5 minutes, to soak up flavors. Always ensure proteins cook until safe.
Add-Ins
Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. Spinach and mushrooms work great. Just add them before the pressure cooking step. You can also enhance flavors with sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes. These extras give your dish a tasty twist.
Cheese Alternatives
You can try different cheeses for a new taste. Mozzarella or goat cheese can add creaminess. If you need non-dairy options, use cashew cream or nutritional yeast. These can mimic the taste without dairy, perfect for those with dietary needs.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place the creamy chicken Alfredo in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze creamy chicken Alfredo, but it may change texture. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Label the container with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to help restore creaminess.
Shelf Life
For best taste and safety, use leftovers within three days. If you freeze it, use it within three months. Signs of spoilage include an off smell or changes in color. If you see mold, throw the dish away. Always check your food before eating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this ahead! To keep it creamy, store the dish in an airtight container. When reheating, use low heat. Stir in a bit of extra cream or broth. This helps maintain the sauce’s smoothness.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
If you lack an Instant Pot, no problem! You can cook this on the stovetop. Start by sautéing the chicken in a large pot. Then add garlic, broth, and pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender. Stir in cream and cheese as in the original recipe.
Can I customize the flavor of the alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! You can add spices and herbs for extra flavor. Try garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or basil. Experiment with your favorites to make the sauce your own!
Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for lighter options. Use half-and-half or milk for fewer calories. You can also try cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Adjust the amount for desired creaminess.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is classic, but you can use other pasta types. Penne or rotini work well too! Just ensure your pasta cooks evenly in the broth. Choose what you love!
This blog post showed you how to make creamy chicken alfredo in an Instant Pot. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results.
The recipe is easy to follow and allows for plenty of tasty variations. You can even customize this dish to suit your taste. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Enjoy cooking and eating this creamy delight!
