Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal but short on time? Look no further! This Chicken Pasta recipe, made in your Instant Pot, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget long cooking times and complicated steps; this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying chicken pasta dish in a fraction of the usual time. It's one of those easy recipes that's perfect for homemade cooking, resulting in a healthy meal the whole family will love. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and once hot, brown the chicken pieces until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your dish. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Build the Sauce: Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Add Chicken and Pasta: Return the chicken to the Instant Pot. Add the pasta, ensuring it's fully submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little extra chicken broth to ensure the pasta is covered.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Serve: Stir gently to combine the sauce and pasta. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Don't overcook the chicken; slightly browned chicken is ideal for this recipe.
- If your pasta is still a little firm after the cooking time, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes on the sauté function with the lid off, stirring frequently.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Chicken Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon during the last few minutes of cooking for a bright and zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 15-20g
This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and delicious. It's a perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!