Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a dish that wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavors, with tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. Picture this: the aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and making your stomach rumble in excitement. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for family dinners or when you’re just looking to treat yourself after a long week.
Now, let me take you back to my childhood. I remember my mom whipping up a classic chicken pot pie, filling our home with love and the scent of buttery crust. Fast forward to today, I’ve taken that nostalgia and jazzed it up with pasta and an Instant Pot! Whether it’s a rainy day comfort meal or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to deliver an explosion of warmth and satisfaction.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tasty Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta comes together in one pot for easy cleanup
- Packed with flavor from tender chicken and aromatic veggies, it’s both comforting and hearty
- The creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta beautifully, making it visually appealing
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate whatever vegetables you have lying around!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic powder can stand in if you’re feeling lazy.
Onion: A medium onion will add sweetness; don’t skip it unless you want your pasta to taste like cardboard.
Carrots: Diced carrots add crunch and sweetness; use fresh ones for the best texture.
Frozen Peas: These are not just for decoration; they add color and sweetness right at the end.
Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Any short pasta will do; they catch all that delightful sauce!
For the Sauce:
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Heavy Cream: This transforms the dish into a creamy delight—don’t skimp here unless you want sadness instead of happiness!
Dried Thyme: A must-have herb that adds depth; feel free to swap with Italian seasoning if that’s what you have.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by turning your Instant Pot onto sauté mode. Add some oil and toss in diced onions and minced garlic until they’re fragrant—roughly two minutes should do it. You want them soft but not burnt!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add those beautiful chicken breasts to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper! Sauté for about five minutes until they’re no longer pink—this helps lock in all that juicy goodness.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Pour in your chicken broth along with thyme and diced carrots. Stir everything together while scraping any brown bits off the bottom—this will add flavor like you wouldn’t believe!
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Now it’s time for the stars of our show—the pasta! Toss it into the pot along with heavy cream. Make sure everything’s submerged under that glorious liquid; if not, you’ll end up with crunchy bits!
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal your Instant Pot lid (make sure it’s locked!) and set it on high pressure for six minutes. Go ahead—do a little dance while you wait!
Step 6: Finish It Off
Once done cooking, do a quick release (careful not to lose an eyebrow). Stir in frozen peas until they’re heated through. Serve hot, topped with parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every creamy bite of this nostalgic dish that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights
- It’s creamy, comforting, and can be on the table in no time
- With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This efficient sequence ensures everything melds beautifully together, creating a dish bursting with comforting goodness. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Add veggies like peas or carrots, or sprinkle in herbs such as thyme for an extra flavor punch. Personalize it to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth for creaminess if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to sauté the onions first before adding other ingredients to enhance their sweetness
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor
- Always let the pasta rest briefly after cooking for better texture and consistency
Sometimes, I whip this dish up when friends come over and they rave about how it tastes like a hug from grandma—if only she knew my secret ingredient was an Instant Pot!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?
To make Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, gather chicken breast, pasta, vegetables like carrots and peas, chicken broth, cream, and seasoning such as thyme and garlic powder. You will also need butter for sautéing and flour to thicken the sauce. These ingredients come together to create a creamy and hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional chicken pot pie in a quick and convenient format.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?
Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is quick and efficient. The total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes. This includes roughly 10 minutes for sautéing the ingredients, followed by a pressure cooking time of around 10 minutes. Afterward, allow for a few minutes of natural release before serving. This fast cooking method makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I customize Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta with different vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is its versatility. Feel free to swap out or add various vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Popular choices include celery, corn, or even mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you use firmer vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly while still achieving that creamy consistency.
Is Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta healthy?
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta can be a healthy meal option when made with wholesome ingredients. Use lean chicken breast and add plenty of vegetables to boost its nutritional profile. For a lighter version, consider using whole grain pasta or reducing the amount of cream used. Overall, this meal provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it a satisfying choice for health-conscious eaters.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta :
In summary, Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta offers a quick yet comforting take on the classic dish. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table. The flexibility in vegetable choices allows for customization according to personal tastes or dietary needs. Embrace this easy recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings; it’s sure to become a staple in your mealtime rotation.
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich sauce, all cooked effortlessly in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe combines nostalgia with modern convenience, offering a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and sauté diced onions and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until no longer pink.
- Pour in chicken broth, add thyme and diced carrots. Stir well, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.
- Toss in pasta and heavy cream, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Perform a quick release of steam, then stir in frozen peas until heated through. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
