Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta made in the Instant Pot is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken cubes, al dente spaghetti, and a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and vibrant basil pesto. Ready in just 16 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a flavorful and creamy pasta dish without the fuss.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 8 ounces chicken tenderloin, cut into 1” cubes
Pasta and Dairy
- 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1” cubes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup half and half
Water & Broth
- 4 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
Fats and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1 cup basil pesto
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquefied and heated through.
- Add 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 combine the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Add the uncooked spaghetti, cubed chicken tenderloin, and cubed cream cheese to the liquid mixture. Gently stir and press down the ingredients until fully submerged under the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. This cooks the pasta and chicken together perfectly.
- Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release to release the built-up steam safely and quickly.
- Add Cheese and Pesto: Open the Instant Pot and immediately stir in the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and basil pesto. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with extra flaky sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful pesto chicken pasta!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the half and half slightly or add more cream cheese.
- Be sure to submerge the pasta fully to avoid overly dry or undercooked noodles.
- This recipe works best with fresh or thawed chicken tenderloin for tender results.
- Reserved extra pesto can be used as an additional topping after serving.
- Use gluten-free pasta alternatives for a gluten-free version.
