Easy Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Whether you're seeking a wholesome weeknight dinner or a delightful dish to impress your guests, this Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the perfect choice. In under 30 minutes you'll have a satisfying and delicious meal the whole family will love!
The delicious combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all infused with a rich and savory sauce that will leave you and your family craving another helping!
The Instant Pot is a great option for dinner on a busy weeknight. You'll have dinner on the table fast, but it is still full of flavor!
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan and Instant Pot Sausage and Potatoes are also really easy weeknight meals to add to your rotation!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's made with simple ingredients! These ingredients are probably already in your pantry and refrigerator. Do a little prep work and then let the Instant Pot do the rest!
- It's ready in under 30 minutes. Even with prepping the chicken and vegetables, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those days when you don't have a lot of time to make dinner!
- It's a one-pot meal! We are doing the saluting and the cooking right in your Instant Pot! No need to break out a ton of pots and pans, this one is made right in your electric pressure cooker!
Ingredients To Gather
- Chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy under the pressure of pressure cooking, so we are using those in this recipe.
- Olive oil. To saute the chicken in and get a nice, crisp crust on the chicken before we will be pressure cooking it.
- Cream Cheese. Cream cheese helps give the sauce it's silky consistency and tangy flavor. Do not use whipped cream cheese, it will curdle in the Instant Pot. Use the real stuff.
- Broccoli florets. One large head, or 2 cups of florets cut into small pieces. If you don't have fresh broccoli, a bag of frozen broccoli can be used instead. When using frozen broccoli, you do not have to saute the broccoli first.
- Chicken broth. This is the liquid we will be cooking the pasta in. Water, chicken stock, or vegetable broth can be used instead. If you have homemade chicken broth, use that! If not, a low sodium chicken broth from the grocery store is a great option.
- Spices. We need some seasoning in this dish, so we will be using garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Feel free to add some of your favorite spices to this dish such as crushed red pepper flakes or dry mustard.
See printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Step By Step Instructions
Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta Variations
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs.
- If you prefer broccoli that is more well done than al dente, put the broccoli in the Instant Pot with the pasta. This will cook the broccoli completely and give you softer broccoli. This is a great way to get the entire family to eat their broccoli. When it is cooked and falls apart, they can't avoid it!
- Use your favorite type of pasta. Bowties, shells, rotini, or even spaghetti would be great options in this cheesy chicken pasta.
- Add more veggies! Cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, and red peppers would all be delicious in this pasta dish.
- Add more cheese! Cheddar is classic in a cheesy pasta, but you can use parmesan cheese, Colby jack cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicy kick! A splash of heavy cream will make the cheesy sauce even more silky too!
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. To reheat the pasta, place it in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it for 2 minutes. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, but add a splash of chicken broth to help loosen up the creamy cheese sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Unfortunately, pasta and cheese both do not freeze well. This dish is best made and then served immediately.
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, just increase the saute time to 10 minutes. Then add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
Yes! You can use your favorite gluten free pasta. Chick pea pasta or red lentil pasta for this recipe.
More Easy Instant Pot Pasta Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets 1 Head
- 1 ½ lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 lb Pasta Your Favorite Shape
- 4 oz Cream Cheese Cut into cubes
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode. Add the olive oil and broccoli florets. Saute for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is slightly cooked. Take it out of the Instant Pot and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the Instant Pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown. After they are cooked, take it out of the Instant Pot.
- Pour the broth into the Instant Pot and scrape the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add the pasta. Do not stir. Top the pasta with the cooked chicken and cubes of cream cheese. Close the Instant Pot and make sure the knob is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes of cooking time.
- After 5 minutes, quick release the pressure. Open the lid and add the broccoli and cheese. Close the lid for 3 minutes to let the broccoli heat up. Stir all the ingredients together and serve with more cheese and fresh chopped herbs.
Notes
- If you are using a higher sodium chicken broth, reduce the amount of salt. Â
- If you don't have fresh broccoli, a bag of frozen broccoli can be used instead. When using frozen broccoli, you do not have to saute the broccoli first.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs for a lighter version of the dish.
- If you prefer the broccoli more well done, add it back to the Instant Pot with the chicken and pasta. This will cook the broccoli to well done instead of al dente and a little bit crunchy.
- Use your favorite type of pasta in this recipe.
Can you use a crockpot?
I haven't tried using a crock pot for this recipe.