Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This Instant Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta is creamy, comforting, and full of herby flavor. Just one pot, a few basic ingredients, and dinner’s done fast.
Equipment
- Instant Pot Used for all steps in the recipe
- Wooden Spoon To stir the ingredients and finish the sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil optional for garnish
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté. Heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and brown lightly for 2–3 minutes.
- Add uncooked pasta and pour in chicken broth. Stir to make sure nothing sticks.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release pressure when done.
- Stir in pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- Don’t overheat when adding cream—keep it low and stir gently.
- Stir in baby spinach at the end for added greens.
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