If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavor, look no further than this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot Recipe. It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and basil pesto to create a dinner that’s irresistibly creamy, easy to whip up, and perfect for any night of the week. The Instant Pot makes the whole process quick and fuss-free, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a top view of several glass bowls and a small measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. One bowl contains raw, pale pink chopped chicken pieces. Another holds green pesto sauce with a coarse texture. There is also a bowl filled with white ricotta cheese that looks creamy and soft. A different bowl contains shredded white mozzarella. A small bowl has two beige cubes of bouillon and some white salt. A measuring cup nearby is filled with white milk. There is also a stick of pale yellow butter laid next to the bowls. In the upper part of the image, a bunch of uncooked yellow spaghetti sticks lies flat on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, classic ingredients that each bring something special to the table, whether it’s richness, freshness, or that signature savory punch. Together, they make a dish that’s balanced, satisfying, and colorful.

Chicken tenderloin: Cubed into 1-inch pieces, this tender meat cooks quickly and stays juicy throughout.

Uncooked spaghetti: The pasta forms the hearty base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Cream cheese: Cubed to melt smoothly and create that indulgent, rich creaminess.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stringy, melty texture and mild flavor that complements the pesto beautifully.

Shredded parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty bite that deepens the overall flavor profile.
Half and half: Lightens the cream cheese without sacrificing that rich texture.
Unsalted butter: Used for sautéing and adding silky richness to the sauce.

Chicken bouillon cubes: Boost the savory depth of the broth mixture, enhancing every bite.
Flaky sea salt: Perfect for seasoning with a subtle crunch and refined saltiness.
Basil pesto: The star ingredient, injecting fresh herbaceous notes and vibrant green color.

Water: Essential for cooking the pasta and combining everything harmoniously.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Butter

Start by turning on your Instant Pot's sauté function and melting the unsalted butter. This step creates a rich base flavor that the rest of the ingredients will build upon, providing a luscious start to your sauce.

Step 2: Combine Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the water and half and half, then add the flaky sea salt and chicken bouillon cubes. Give everything a quick stir to dissolve the bouillon and mix the seasonings into the bubbling butter mixture. This flavorful liquid will cook the pasta evenly and infuse the chicken with seasoning.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Chicken, and Cream Cheese

Gently add the uncooked spaghetti, cubed chicken tenderloin, and the cubes of cream cheese to the pot. Carefully push everything down so it’s fully submerged in the liquid—but avoid stirring vigorously to keep your pasta from clumping together.

Step 4: Pressure Cook Your Pasta Mixture

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. This timing ensures the chicken is cooked through and your pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture, all while allowing the cream cheese to melt into that irresistible sauce.

Step 5: Perform a Quick Release

Once the cooking time ends, carefully perform a quick release to let out the steam. This stops the pasta from overcooking and keeps the texture just right.

Step 6: Stir in Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Pesto

Open the Instant Pot and immediately add the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and basil pesto. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully, giving the dish its signature flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot Recipe with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, or some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra brightness. Then dig in and enjoy the comforting decadence you just created!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a light green pesto sauce. The pasta strands are thick and twisted together, with small pieces of green herbs scattered throughout. A fork held by a woman's hand lifts a bundle of the pasta above the bowl, showing the smooth and slightly shiny texture of the sauce. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface with soft lighting. Text in yellow and white reads

Garnishes

Adding a final touch of fresh basil leaves, a shake of extra parmesan, or even a few toasted pine nuts can elevate this dish from delicious to unforgettable. These garnishes add texture, color, and a burst of fresh flavor that contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness or roasted seasonal vegetables to add some smoky depth and nutrients to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for individual portions that look impressive and taste amazing. Alternatively, pile it into shallow bowls and finish with a poached egg on top for extra decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the creamy texture. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to keep the sauce from separating too much.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of half and half or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to keep the pasta creamy and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or any pasta that cooks in about the same time. Just be sure to adjust the Instant Pot cooking time if needed.

Is it necessary to use chicken tenderloin, or can I substitute chicken breasts?

You can substitute chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes. Tenderloins cook faster and tend to be more tender, but chicken breasts will work just fine and still yield great results.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and replace chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added protein and texture.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy at all. The flavors are rich, creamy, and herbaceous with no heat. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!

Do I have to use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient, but you can prepare a similar dish on the stove by cooking the pasta separately, then tossing everything together with the sauce ingredients. However, expect a bit more prep time and pans to clean up.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, flavorful, and effortlessly luscious, making every bite a joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table at the same time.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need