What’s so great about this pasta? Well, when you combine bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing with tender chicken and pasta, you can’t go wrong. How long it takes: 30 minutes, and most of that time is hands-off Equipment you’ll need: Instant Pot pressure cooker Servings: 8 And crack chicken pasta is made in just one pan: your Instant Pot. Easy cleanup, fast (less than thirty minutes!), and addictively good — okay, maybe you’re getting the idea. This recipe is really a winner!
How to make Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
My mom and I differ on whether to brown the chicken first or not. I do, she doesn’t. I’m going to leave it up to you. I will admit that her way is faster so if you’re looking for quicker and easier, simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and skip the browning step. Add the pasta, ranch seasoning mix, broth, and heavy cream to the pot, and put the chicken on top. Don’t substitute something else for the heavy cream because anything lower in fat will curdle during the cooking time. Put the lid on, and set the timer for just five minutes on High Pressure. Yes, you read correctly, just five measly minutes! It’s hard to believe that everything will be perfectly cooked in five minutes but it is. (Even the chicken, according to my mom.) When the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure and stir in the cream cheese and cheddar until everything’s all melted and creamy. Yum! Garnish with lots of crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
What to serve with Crack Chicken Pasta
The pasta itself is very rich and decadent, so it pairs well with something fresh and light to brighten things up and round out the meal. Serve with a simple salad like classic arugula salad or citrus salad with mint, honey and lime.
Make It Your Own
Make it a casserole: Brown chicken in skillet, and cook pasta, as directed on package. Mix remaining ingredients (omitting broth), then stir in chicken and pasta. Spoon into greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Garnish as desired. Add veggie power: Stir in chopped spinach, green peas, cooked green beans, or corn after stirring in cheese. Substitute another good melting cheese, such as Swiss, Mexican blend, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. Try another seasoning mix, such as chili seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat: Larger amounts can be reheated over medium-low heat on the stove; individual portions can be reheated in the microwave in 30 to 45 second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a bit of water, broth, or milk to the leftover pasta to thin the sauce and add moisture, if necessary.
More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes
I just love cooking pasta in my Instant Pot! It almost seems miraculous. One pot pasta dishes are wonderful time savers. Try:
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage, Spinach, and Tomatoes Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Instant Pot Pasta Primavera by Killing Thyme — can’t wait to try this one!
in your Instant Pot!