Why You Should Make Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

This recipe is a total lifesaver on busy nights. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a homemade alfredo in no time—just 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a hit with the whole family, even the little ones.

No need to babysit. The Instant Pot does all the work for you! You can even cook the pasta right in the pot, and it’ll soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: A one-pot, no-fuss, no-stress dinner! The best part? The uncooked pasta cooks right in the Instant Pot, absorbing all that delicious creamy sauce!

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Pick a wine you’ll actually drink. You don’t need anything fancy, just a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Since you’ll have some leftover, just make sure it’s something you don’t mind sipping on.
• Choose a good-quality stock. Better stock equals a better sauce. Many store-bought stocks have tons of salt, so go for unsalted or lower-sodium versions. Homemade stock is always a great option!
• Grate your own cheese. While pre-grated Parmesan can save you some time, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or domestic Parmesan will bring a richer, nutty flavor to your sauce and give it that smooth, creamy texture we all love.
• Get creative with substitutions. You can swap fettuccine for penne or rotini, use chicken breasts or tenders instead of thighs, or even toss in some broccoli florets for extra veggies.
• Doubling the recipe? Use a bigger Instant Pot. If you double the recipe, make sure to use an 8-quart Instant Pot® to avoid crowding. Fill it just before the max line for enough space.

Pro Tip:

Let the pressure naturally release for about 5 minutes. This will help prevent a sudden burst of starchy foam when you release the valve.

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: One pot, zero fuss, and minimal babysitting. The pasta cooks right in the pot, soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness!

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo

• Glazed Carrots
• Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
• Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots
• Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls

Tools for This Recipe

• 6-qt Instant Pot®

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces fettuccine noodles, broken in half
• 3 ounces freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
2. Set your 6-qt Instant Pot® to high sauté. Melt the butter and add the chicken. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Set the chicken aside.
3. Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, and pasta. Top with the chicken. Select the manual setting, adjust the pressure to high, and set the timer for 6 minutes. Once done, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Stir the pasta and let the mixture stand for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until half the liquid has reduced.
6. Stir in the Parmesan until it melts, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, and garnish with parsley if desired.

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will give you juicier, more flavorful meat thanks to their higher fat content.

Do I have to use white wine?
Nope! You can use extra chicken stock instead of white wine if you want to keep it alcohol-free.

What’s heavy cream?
Heavy cream, or heavy whipping cream, has a high fat content (36-40%), which is what gives the alfredo its rich, creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be lighter.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini would work perfectly in place of fettuccine.

Why is the Instant Pot spraying sauce?
Pasta is starchy, which can cause foam to spray from the valve. To avoid this, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before quickly releasing the remaining pressure.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, just add a splash of chicken stock to keep it creamy.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo!