This Instant Pot pasta recipe is wonderfully delicious and features a homemade Alfredo sauce that's unforgettably rich, creamy, and flavorful. Plus, this pasta dish is ready in about 30 minutes making it a perfect weeknight option.
Set out the heavy whipping cream, butter, and cream cheese to warm and soften.
prepare the Chicken Breasts
Brine Chicken Breasts (Optional): For best results, make a brine by filling a large bowl with one quart of warm water and adding a ¼ cup of kosher salt to the water then mixing until the salt is fully dissolved. Place the chicken breasts in the brine and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
Prepare Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim any fat, and cut the breasts into small bite-sized pieces no wider than ½".
Sauté Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot on 'Sauté' and adjust the heat level to 'More'. Allow the pot to heat up until the display reads 'Hot'. Add the olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up. Add the chicken to the pot and toss until thoroughly coated in the oil. Spread in an even layer across the bottom and sauté, tossing occasionally, until cooked white on all sides. About 8 to 10 minutes.
Season Chicken: Add the garlic powder and salt to the pot and toss into the chicken to fully coat. Cook for another 30 seconds, tossing as the chicken cooks in the seasonings. Cancel 'Sauté' and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
add the Pasta and Stock
Break the pasta in half and add to the pot, spreading evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken stock into the pot over the pasta.
set the Cooking Time
Cook for 9-Minutes: Close the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure release valve to 'Sealing' and set the pot to cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook', 'High Pressure' for 9 minutes.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gradually whisk the flour into a ½ cup of the heavy cream until a smooth paste is formed. Add the Better than Bouillon and white pepper and whisk until smooth. Then add the remaining heavy cream and gently whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2-Minute NPR: Once the cooking time has finished, allow for a 2 minute NPR (natural pressure release) and then release any remaining pressure. After the pressure has been released and the pin has dropped, open the pot. Leave on 'Keep Warm'.
After Cooking
Add Butter: Add the butter and, using a large spoon, mix the pasta and chicken with the butter until it has fully melted.
Add Alfredo Sauce & Cheeses: Add the Alfredo sauce, parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese to the pot. Mix into the pasta until the cheeses fully melt.
Add Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli and gently toss into the pasta.
Allow to Thicken: Allow the pasta to sit in the pot on 'Keep Warm' for 5 to 10 minutes to let the Alfredo sauce thicken. Gently toss every couple of minutes. Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, press 'Cancel'.