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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups penne pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups fresh spinach - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) - Calories: Approximately 600 per serving - Protein: 40 grams - Carbohydrates: 50 grams - Fats: 25 grams - Fiber: 3 grams In this Instant Pot creamy chicken pasta recipe, fresh ingredients shine. The chicken adds protein and flavor. The penne pasta cooks perfectly in the broth. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a nice salty bite. I love using olive oil to sauté the chicken. It helps to brown the meat and adds a lovely flavor. Garlic brings warmth and depth. I often use dried Italian seasoning for that classic taste. Salt and black pepper balance all the flavors. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. You can also add fresh basil for a lovely finish. Tracking nutritional information is key. This dish is hearty but still offers a good balance of nutrients. You can adjust ingredients based on your needs. For example, you could use less cream for a lighter meal. This recipe offers a complete meal in one pot. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for detailed steps! - Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken. - Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. - Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. - Add 2 cups of penne pasta and stir well. - Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. - Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. - Stir everything together. - Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. - Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. - Once done, perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. - Open the lid and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. - Fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted. - Your meal is ready to serve, and it looks amazing! You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step! To make your pasta just right, avoid overcooking it. The Instant Pot cooks pasta fast. Use the timing in the recipe for best results. If you use a different pasta type, adjust the liquid. Some pasta absorbs more water. Keep an eye on your liquid levels as you cook. Boost the taste of your dish by adding extra herbs or spices. Italian seasoning works great, but feel free to experiment. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth. You can also toss in some vegetables. Spinach is a great choice, but you can add bell peppers or peas too. Pair your creamy chicken pasta with simple side dishes. A fresh salad or garlic bread complements it well. For wine lovers, a light white wine is perfect. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can enhance the meal. Enjoy the flavors together for a delightful dining experience. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Use shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a fresh taste. You can also try sausage for a heartier flavor. Sausage brings a nice spice that works well with the cream sauce. If you want a lighter option, substitute turkey for chicken. Turkey is lean and packed with protein. For a plant-based choice, use tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and makes the meal filling. If you need gluten-free options, select gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer pasta that cooks just like regular penne. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy goodness without gluten. For those avoiding dairy, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both give a rich texture without the dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute. It adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Want to enhance the taste? Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with the cream. You might also enjoy the briny taste of olives. They add a Mediterranean twist to your dish. For a bright touch, squeeze in some lemon juice or add lemon zest. This small addition lifts the dish and adds a refreshing element. These simple changes can make your creamy chicken pasta even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store your leftovers, first let the pasta cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date you made it. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into single servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This helps keep the texture nice. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you're in a hurry. To reheat your pasta, use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and add a splash of water or cream. This helps keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a lid or a paper towel. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. Aim for a temperature of 165°F to ensure it is hot all the way through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a bit of broth or cream in a pan. Heat over low until warm. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Enjoy your creamy chicken pasta just like the first time! The total cooking time is about 30 minutes. This includes a 10-minute prep time and 20 minutes for cooking. You can enjoy a delicious meal in no time! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some popular choices: - Garlic bread - Caesar salad - Steamed broccoli - Roasted vegetables Garnishing with fresh basil adds a nice touch, too! Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just make sure your Instant Pot is large enough. Adjust the ingredients accordingly, but the cooking time stays the same. Enjoy more of this creamy goodness! This blog post covered a tasty creamy chicken pasta recipe. We went through key ingredients and their nutritional value. I shared step-by-step instructions for making this dish in an Instant Pot. You also learned tips for perfecting the pasta, serving suggestions, and fun variations. Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this simple and delicious meal. With a few adjustments, you can make it your own. Bon appétit!

- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Whip up a delightful dinner in no time with this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe! Perfectly cooked chicken, pasta, and spinach create a rich, creamy dish that your family will adore. It's easy to make and full of flavor, making weeknight meals a breeze. Ready to explore this simple and tasty meal? Click to discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions that will have you cooking like a pro in your Instant Pot!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 cups penne pasta

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups fresh spinach

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced chicken and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Go ahead and stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

        Season: Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it another stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

          Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual function and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

            Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting.

              Add Cream and Cheese: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. The sauce will start to thicken subtly.

                Finish with Spinach: Fold in the fresh spinach until wilted and mixed into the pasta.

                  Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired with more salt and pepper.

                    Serve: Scoop the creamy chicken pasta into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil if using.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4