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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Instant Pot Pasta

    Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo

    Published: Dec 17, 2020 · Modified: Jan 28, 2021 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    a bowl of really creamy chicken alfredo pasta with a fork twirling the pasta

    This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo is not only SO easy to make in your electric pressure cooker, it is SO flavorful! The chicken broth adds depth to the alfredo sauce, the cream and parmesan are perfectly, well, creamy, and the lemon adds a bright acid note that makes this a 5 star recipe!! If you want to try pasta in your Instant Pot then I definitely recommend you start with this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe!

    a bowl of really creamy chicken alfredo pasta with a fork twirling the pasta

    If you do not have an Instant Pot you can absolutely make this recipe on the stove top. Just follow the instructions over at Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

    You may also like to check out this Instant Pot Rigatoni , Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, or this Easy Tomato Cream Sauce.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients & Supplies
    2 How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
    3 Pro Tips
    4 FAQ and Troubleshooting
    5 Doubling
    6 Make It A Meal
    7 Other Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
    8 Did you make this recipe?!
    9 Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo

    Ingredients & Supplies

    Here are the ingredients and supplies that you need to make Chicken Alfredo in your Instant Pot:

    • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker (I use the 6qt)
    • butter
    • garlic
    • chicken broth
    • heavy whipping cream
    • fettuccine pasta
    • chicken
    • 1 lemon
    • onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper
    Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Ingredients on a counter

    Lemon

    By adding lemon zest and lemon juice to your Chicken Alfredo (like Giada does) it adds a beautiful note of brightness (acid) and balances some of the heaviness of the cream and carbs. I highly recommend not skipping the lemon!

    How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is pretty easy to make. Once you get it all in the Instant Pot you are hands off:

    • Turn the Instant Pot on to saute mode. Add the butter and melt. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Turn the saute mode off.
    • Pour in the chicken broth, cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Give it a stir to distribute the lemon zest.
    • Break the pasta in half. Add it to the pot about ¼ at a time, layering in a crisscross pattern. This will help the pasta not all cook together in one clump. Lightly press and shimmy the pasta with a wooden spoon to make sure it is in the liquid.
    • Add the diced chicken on top. Then sprinkle with the onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    4 photos - liquid in the instant pot, adding pasta, adding more pasta then adding chicken and seasonings
    • Pop the lid on, turn the pressure vent to seal, and set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Do a quick release, this will take a few minutes…
    • Open the pot and stir the pasta and liquid. It will still be pretty “soupy”, that is ok! Let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the pasta starches to thicken the cream/liquid.
    • Now add half the parmesan cheese, give it a good stir to combine. Add in the other half of the cheese and stir. By adding half the cheese at a time you help prevent clumping.
    • Let the Chicken Alfredo sit for another 5-10 minutes to thicken.
    • Serve warm!
    3 photos - chicken alfredo in the instant pot, adding parmesan cheese, and the completed dish in the instant pot

    Pro Tips

    Here are a few tips to make sure your Chicken Alfredo turns out perfect!

    1. Do not overcook your garlic. It just needs about 1 minute in the butter to become fragrant.
    2. When you add your pasta to the pot make sure you break it in half and then layer it in 4 layers, in a crisscross pattern. This will help the pasta not clump together.
    3. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after the quick release and after you add the cheese. This allows the natural pasta starches to thicken the liquid.
    4. Add the parmesan cheese in two batches. This prevents the cheese from becoming one big clump.

    FAQ and Troubleshooting

    Alfredo sauce too thin after cooking

    Turn the sauté mode on low and stir constantly while the heat thickens the cream sauce. Be careful that it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pot. Also stir in a little extra parmesan cheese to thicken.

    Alfredo sauce is too thick

    Add a little extra milk, cream or chicken broth to thin it out.

    Liquid is spattering during venting

    With a wooden spoon tap the vent closed and let it natural release for a minute, then try again.

    Will heavy cream curdle in the Instant Pot

    No, you can pressure cook with heavy cream. The higher fat content will stabilize it during cooking!

    Doubling

    You can absolutely double this recipe. No need to change the time, stick with a 6 minute high pressure cook and quick release.

    Make It A Meal

    To make this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo a meal I would add a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing and some warm crusty bread. Nothing better than a big pasta dinner!

    a table with red wine, crusty bread and a bowl of instant pot chicken alfredo

    Other Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

    We have quite a few Instant Pot Chicken Recipes on Mom’s Dinner, but here are some that we highly recommend you put on your “must make” list:

    • Instant Pot Coq Au Vin
    • Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
    • Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    a white bowl of the very best chicken alfredo that is creamy and cheesy, being twirled on a fork

    Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo

    Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe that is made right in your Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker). Fettuccine noodles are mixed with bite sized chicken, cream sauce and parmesan cheese. It's a great Instant Pot pasta dinner!
    4.94 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Pressure, Venting and Rest time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 41 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 709kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 2 plump garlic cloves chopped
    • 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
    • 8 oz fettuccine pasta broken in half
    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into ½ inch pieces
    • onion powder
    • kosher salt
    • black pepper
    • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
    text ingredients
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot on to saute mode. Add the butter and melt.
      Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Turn the saute mode off.
    • Pour in the chicken broth, cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Give it a stir to distribute the lemon zest.
    • Add the pasta, about ¼ at a time. Break it in half, adding each layer to the pot in a crisscross pattern. This will help the pasta not all cook together in one clump. Lightly press on the pasta with a wooden spoon to make sure it is in the liquid.
    • Add the chicken on top. Then sprinkle with the onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Pop the lid on, turn the pressure vent to seal, and set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Do a quick release, this will take a few minutes..
    • Open the pot and stir the pasta and liquid. It will still be pretty "soupy", that is ok!
      Let it sit for 5 minutes.
    • Now add half the parmesan cheese, give it a good stir to combine. Add in the other half of the cheese and stir.
      By adding half the cheese at a time you help prevent clumping.
    • Let the Chicken Alfredo sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
    • Serve warm!

    Leftovers

    • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Reheat leftovers in the microwave or stove top with a splash of milk or chicken broth.

    Notes:

    Doubling The Recipe

    You can absolutely double this recipe, stick with the same cook time – 6 min high pressure and quick release.

    Tips

    1. Do not overcook your garlic. It just needs about 1 minute in the butter to become fragrant.
    2. When you add your pasta to the pot make sure you break it in half and then layer it in 4 layers, in a crisscross pattern. This will help the pasta not clump together.
    3. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after the quick release and after you add the cheese. This allows the natural pasta starches to thicken the liquid.
    4. Add the parmesan cheese in two batches. This prevents the cheese from becoming one big clump.

    Troubleshooting

    1. After adding the cheese the sauce is still too thin. Turn the saute mode on low and stir constantly while the heat thickens the cream sauce. But be careful that it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pot.
    2. The sauce got too thick. Add in a little extra milk, cream, or chicken broth to thin it out.
    3. Liquid is spattering during the venting. With a wooden spoon tap the vent closed and let it natural release for a minute and then try again.
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 709kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 234mg | Sodium: 994mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1317IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 369mg | Iron: 2mg

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

    « Easy Snickerdoodle Muffins
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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      January 24, 2022 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      I was kind of skeptical about this one but it turned out sooo good. Next time I’ll season my chicken ahead and let it sit fog a bit but will definitely make again!

      Reply
    2. Lisa Buchmann

      December 20, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best homemade chicken Alfredo!! Thank you so much for this recipe, me and my family absolutely love it

      Reply
    3. Kate

      December 12, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Turned out great! I didn’t have chicken brother so I just subbed equal part water and added a few spices. Wonderful 👍

      Reply
    4. Sherry

      December 03, 2021 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      I came across your recipe after our oven broke. I usually make my own homemade Alfredo on the stove and would have never thought of the instant pot for it. This was so easy to make and I will keep making it this way from now on. It was very good and your directions were on point! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        December 04, 2021 at 7:30 am

        That is so nice! I am so glad you loved it. Thank you for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!

        Reply
    5. Dawn

      November 28, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      This was so good! My daughter, who rarely likes anything I make for dinner asked for seconds. I’m definitely doubling the recipe next time. Thanks so much for this delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        November 29, 2021 at 8:41 am

        This is the best!!! I know about picky eaters, I have 2 myself. I’m so glad your daughter loved it.

        Reply
        • Briena

          December 08, 2021 at 4:48 pm

          5 stars
          I’m a alfredo fanatic! This is the best recipe I’ve ever made! It’s on my meal plan ever week or everyother!

    6. Lauren

      September 17, 2021 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      It’s starting to get cold here in Washington and we’ve made this at least 3 times in the last two weeks. Perfect every time, thank you!

      Reply
    7. Brenda Eichelberg

      February 06, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! Entire family loved it.

      Reply
    8. Donna

      December 31, 2020 at 10:27 am

      Hi, can you use fresh pasta for this or will it be too mushy?

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        December 31, 2020 at 10:34 am

        I wouldn’t use fresh pasta in the Instant Pot (although I haven’t tried it). I would guess it will turn into mush.

        Reply
      • rachel n grubbs

        December 09, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Is the chicken pre cooked? You only cook in instant pot for 6 min. I’m new to the pot.

        Reply
        • Susie Weinrich

          December 09, 2021 at 10:19 am

          The chicken is raw, it cooks perfectly in 6 minutes!

    9. Caroline

      December 29, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      I loved it!

      Reply
    10. Clement Khoo

      December 28, 2020 at 8:22 pm

      I’m going to try out this simple recipe but I’ve got two questions. What is lemon zest & can I use minced garlic that comes in a bottle instead of chopping up two cloves of garlic? Thanks. Clement.

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        December 29, 2020 at 8:08 am

        Lemon zest is basically the peel of a fresh lemon. But you only want the yellow lemon rind, not the white pith underneath. Use a rasp or fine grater to get the zest off the lemon. You can absolutely use the bottled chopped garlic!

        Reply
    11. Steven Moshlak

      December 28, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      When do you add the cream?

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        December 29, 2020 at 8:07 am

        It goes in when you add the broth, lemon zest and lemon juice.

        Reply
    12. Maddie

      December 28, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      This was one of my first recipes using my Instant Pot and it turned out great! The instructions were easy to follow and made me feel successful with my new kitchen appliance! We will definitely make it again.
      (loved the lemon in the sauce!)

      Reply
      • Missie Toth

        May 24, 2022 at 6:56 pm

        4 stars
        This is a wonderful recipe, my grandchildren are very picky eater’s but they ask for me to make this recipe at least once a week. Thank you so much for sharing it.

        Reply
    13. Beth

      December 27, 2020 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      This was great! It was easy enough for my first try with the instant pot. Should have doubled it for my 2 teenagers and my husband and myself. I did not see anywhere how much parmesan cheese to put in so I just guessed at 1 cup. It tasted great! Thumbs up from my whole family!

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        December 16, 2021 at 6:34 pm

        My pasta is hard and raw still

        Reply
        • Susie Weinrich

          December 17, 2021 at 10:03 am

          I’m truly surprised!! Was the chicken cooked?? I wonder if your pot didn’t fully come to pressure. I have had mine glitch and not pressurize but still do the countdown.

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