Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy instant pot chicken pasta that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a rich, velvety sauce that makes every bite memorable.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

The magic happens when you combine simple pantry staples with smart cooking techniques.

Weeknight cooking has never been this delicious or stress-free.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Try This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

• This ranch chicken pasta delivers incredible taste with minimal effort, blending creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken in one delightful pot.
• Perfect for busy families, this one-pot wonder saves time on cooking and cleanup, making weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Easily swap ingredients like switching spinach for kale or using different cheeses, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Looks and tastes like a gourmet meal but requires beginner-level cooking skills, making it an impressive dish that appears more complicated than it actually is.

Ingredients You Need for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Diced meat that provides the primary protein for the dish and adds substantial flavor during the sauté process.

• Rotini Pasta, Chicken Broth: Pasta creates the base of the meal while broth helps cook the noodles and adds foundational liquid flavor.

• Ranch Dressing Mix: Seasoning that coats the chicken and provides a classic tangy ranch taste.
• Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar: Dairy ingredients that create a rich, creamy sauce when melted.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty dimension to the overall dish.
• Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element and additional nutritional value.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the chicken and prevents sticking during the initial cooking stage.

How to Make Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using sauté mode.

Drop diced chicken into the hot oil and cook while stirring occasionally until the meat turns golden and loses its pink color.

This step creates delicious foundational flavor for your entire dish.

Step 2: Sprinkle Ranch Magic

Dust ranch seasoning mix over the browned chicken.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every chicken piece gets coated with zesty ranch flavor.

The seasoning will start releasing its aromatic goodness immediately.

Step 3: Create Pasta Foundation

• Rotini pasta
• Chicken broth

Place pasta directly on top of chicken without stirring.

This technique prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking throughout the pot.

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.

Allow the pot to build pressure naturally, which typically takes several minutes.

The pasta will cook simultaneously with the chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 5: Melt and Mix Creamy Goodness

After cooking, quickly release pressure by turning valve.

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh spinach

Stir ingredients until cheese melts completely and spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Scoop the creamy pasta directly from the Instant Pot into serving bowls.

The dish is most delectable when served piping hot with all its rich, tangy flavors intact.

Quick Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time

• Brown chicken thoroughly before adding seasoning to develop deeper, richer taste profiles that enhance overall dish complexity.
• Layer pasta carefully over chicken without stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent burning at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Cut cream cheese into smaller cubes before adding to help it melt faster and create smoother, more consistent sauce texture.
• Swap chicken for turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and needs.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives just before serving to introduce bright, vibrant flavors and enhance visual appeal of the dish.

Reheating and Saving Leftover Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta's texture and flavor intact.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture. Gently stir to prevent sticking and maintain creamy consistency.
• Freeze pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps preserve the original texture and taste.

Tasty Pairings for Chicken Pasta

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the creamy chicken pasta, complementing the ranch and bacon with its bright, zesty notes.
• Cheese-Friendly Companion: Chardonnay's buttery undertones match perfectly with the melted cheddar and cream cheese, creating a smooth and indulgent taste experience.
• Bacon-Enhancing Beverage: Light-bodied Pinot Noir's subtle fruitiness balances the smoky bacon and adds depth to the overall dish's flavor profile.
• Refreshing Side Option: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon helps cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the dish's rich and creamy texture.

Ways to Add Flavor to This Chicken Dish

• Gluten-Free Ranch Chicken Pasta: Replace rotini with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Ranch Chicken: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining delicious ranch flavor.
• Dairy-Free Protein Powerhouse: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese for creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Keep all other ingredients consistent for a meatless protein-packed meal.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just keep the cooking time the same and ensure the pasta is uncooked when added to the Instant Pot.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like vegan cream cheese and plant-based shredded cheese. The recipe will still be delicious and creamy.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Add cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, extra crispy bacon, or diced ham to boost the protein content. You can also include white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option.

• Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook chicken first, add seasonings, then incorporate broth and pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender and finish with cheese and spinach.

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy instant pot chicken pasta brings comfort and convenience to weeknight dinners with its rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a quick meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Pasta and Base:

• 1 lb (454 grams) box of rotini pasta, uncooked
• 4 cups (950 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Cheese and Greens:

• 1 cup (236 milliliters) or 8 ounces (226 grams) cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) block cream cheese
• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode at medium heat, drizzle olive oil, and allow it to warm for 60 seconds. Introduce diced chicken, stirring periodically until the meat transforms from pink to a golden hue, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Generously coat the chicken with ranch seasoning mix, ensuring every piece is evenly seasoned and aromatic.
3. Strategically layer rotini pasta atop the seasoned chicken without stirring, then carefully pour chicken broth over the pasta, maintaining the layered arrangement.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid, program to high pressure for precisely 4 minutes. The device will require several minutes to reach optimal pressure.
5. Execute a swift pressure release by carefully adjusting the valve. Once depressurized, incorporate cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and fresh spinach. Vigorously blend until the cheese completely melts and spinach slightly wilts.
6. Transfer the creamy pasta directly to serving dishes, ensuring consumption while the mixture remains piping hot and luxuriously smooth.

Notes

• Customize the ranch seasoning by making your own blend for a personalized flavor profile and to control sodium levels.
• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent some chunks from being undercooked or overdone.
• Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Reduce bacon for a lighter version or substitute with turkey bacon for a lower-fat option while maintaining that smoky flavor element.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 625
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg