Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is an easy pressure cooker dinner recipe made with chicken and pasta shells in a cheesy tomato cream sauce. This one pot Italian-style chicken dinner takes about 30 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for busy days, and it’s kid friendly!
If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe made with chicken and pasta, you’re going to love this delicious Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta. It’s like a homemade Chicken Helper, and it’s super kid friendly. Best of all, it’s a one pot dinner, so there’s hardly any clean-up for you!
You guys, my family thinks this is one of the best Instant Pot chicken recipes I’ve ever made — one of the best Instant Pot recipes, definitely!
Seriously. I hate to brag — really I do, but when even my picky eaters like what I make for dinner, I know it’s good!
This recipe is basically a knock-off of Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef, which is one of the most popular easy Instant Pot recipes on the blog right now. I’m always looking for easy chicken recipes with few ingredients, and that’s pretty much how this delicious chicken dinner was born. It’s super quick and easy to make, and the only difference between the two recipes is that one dinner is made with ground beef and the other is made with chicken.
How to make Instant Pot creamy chicken pasta
Making this Instant Pot creamy shells and chicken is super simple. All you do is cook the chicken in the Instant Pot on the saute setting until it’s no longer pink. Then, you layer the pasta, water and marinara sauce, and let the pressure cooker get to work.
To make it creamy, I like to add some heavy cream and a little bit of Parmesan cheese at the end. And that’s all there is to it! Easy peasy, right?
How long do you cook chicken and pasta together in the Instant Pot?
Since we’re cooking the cut-up chicken first, you only need to cook the whole dish for 4 to 5 minutes.
Can I use any kind of pasta for this recipe?
Any short, thick pasta would work here. Macaroni or mini penne would be perfect!
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can definitely use milk here, but the consistency will be thinner.
Tips for making Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Make sure no chicken is stuck to the bottom before you start pressure cooking. Deglaze the pot with a spatula and extra water, if needed
- Use a thin marinara sauce, not a thick and chunky one
- Layer the pasta shells, water and marinara sauce, but don’t stir it all together
- Add extra cream at the end if you like more sauce
Recipe for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut up
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 16-ounce box medium shell pasta, uncooked
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Hit SAUTE button on pressure cooker, and when it reads HOT, add olive oil
- Add cut-up chicken to hot pot, and cook until chicken is no longer pink, stirring frequently
- Add Italian Seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder and pepper, and stir until well coated. There should be plenty of juices from the chicken to deglaze pot and scrape up any chicken that might be sticking to bottom. Add a little water if necessary to make sure no chicken is sticking to pot.
- Hit CANCEL, then add uncooked pasta shells, water and marinara sauce on top. Press lightly to make sure pasta is covered with liquid, but do not stir
- Cover, turn knob to sealing position, and hit PRESSURE COOK for 5 minutes
- When pasta is done cooking, do a gradual quick release, and when pin drops, open lid
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well blended, and serve immediately
Video
Notes
Nutrition
My family devoured this easy Instant Pot creamy chicken pasta in just a few minutes! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
Happy Cooking,
Briana says
I made this for my roommates and I and we all loved it!! I sprinkled about a tablespoon of onion powder at the end and it was amazing, thank you for this recipe!
Dee says
Thank you so much for the sweet comment! I’m so glad you all liked it!
Terri Burson says
I can’t imagine adding anything else to this recipe. The flavors were spot on and we loved it! In fact, I may just make this at our girls scrapbook retreat this weekend!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Terri. So happy you liked the pasta!
Kako says
Can I use elbow macaroni and use the same cook time? I’m new to instant pots so I apologise if this is a dumb question.
Dee says
Definitely NOT a dumb question! It will still be the same cook time. You can always use the “golden rule of pasta” and cook for 1/2 the lowest cook time suggested on the box. 🙂
TIFFANY says
What is a gradual quick release? I have hear of quick and natural, never gradual.
Thanks
Dee says
It just means you turn the release valve slowly or alternate between venting and sealing so that liquid doesn’t squirt out at once.
K says
It was ok, I had to add a little Accent to bring the flavor out and some sugar and it was fine. Can you freeze all that’s left over?
Dee says
Yes, it freezes and reheats well.
Nina says
Made it for Sunday Family Dinner. Everyone liked. Added it to my Instant Pot Recipe Book. Will definitely make it again. I also noticed you make it using ground beef instead of chicken. Will have to try that sometime.
Dee says
That’s wonderful, Nina. Glad you you enjoyed the recipe! Shells and beef is so good — hope you get a chance to try it!
Cindy Ellmaker says
Very good and Husband Approved. Makes several meals for the 2 of us. for me personally added extra cheese, will lessen the seasonings. I used Chunky Marinara and it worked just fine. Will definitely make again.
Dee says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe, Cindy. Thanks!
Marla says
This was delicious! My family loved it!
Thank you for a quick and easy yummy recipe!
Dee says
I’m so glad to hear this, Marla. Thank you so much!
DebbieT says
Fast, easy, ingredients generally on hand…. plus, husband loved it! This one’s a keeper, and I’m sharing it on my facebook page… thank you for an excellent recipe! I made it with penne pasta, as that’s what I had on hand. A tiny bit more toothy, but still quite amazing. Adding the parmesan kicks it over the top.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Debbie! I’m glad that your family enjoyed it!
Chris says
Delicious. I actually accidentally added all the ingredients before cooking. (heavy cream and cheese were supposed to be added after) But it still turned out awesome. Saving this and will definitely be making it again.
Dee says
So glad you liked the pasta, Chris! Thanks so much!
Maureen says
Hello! I’ve made this 3 times because I love its simplicity but I have a question: you say 5 minutes for pressure cook but my pasta is NEVER done in that time! I have to cook it for a good 15 or more minutes to even get the pasta to soften. What am I doing wrong?
Dee says
How odd. At 5 minutes, the pasta is definitely soft, so sometimes, I’ll even reduce the time to 4 minutes for more al dente pasta. Are you cooking on high pressure? Are you using an Instant Pot brand of pressure cooker? Just throwing out some ideas here. What brand of pasta do you use? I use Barilla pasta, if that helps. I honestly don’t know why your pasta is taking so long to cook, because 5 minutes should be enough.
Maureen says
Yes, I’m using the real Instant Pot. It’s on High Pressure. I use either Barilla or Muellers. This is the 3rd time. I’m starting to think I got a bad Instant Pot, maybe???
Dee says
I have heard of that happening, and I actually have one pot that is kind of finicky. The only other thing I can think of is maybe your seal is loose or needs replaced. I’m so sorry your pasta isn’t getting done, since I know how frustrating that must be!
Jeff Sobel says
Would be nice to have complete nutrition info so I can see if its something I can eat
Melissa says
Hi. This looks delicious. I will be making it for the first time. How long do you saute the chicken for in the beginning?
Dee says
Just until it’s no longer pink. It’ll finish cooking under pressure
DEBORAH T RAY says
Wonderful recipe!!
Dee says
Thanks, Deborah. SO glad you enjoyed it!
Deborah Ray-Roberts says
Very good and easy. My family loved it.
Dee says
I’m so happy you liked the pasta, Deborah. Thanks!
Georgia says
What a wonderful flavor. Fast and easy. I will definitely make again.
Dee says
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad you liked the recipe — thanks! 🙂
Amy says
My grocery store was having a special on Turkey Italian Sausage, so I used that instead of chicken. Otherwise, I followed exactly and this was delicious. The best thing I’ve ever made in my Instant Pot. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Dee says
Aw, this totally makes my day! Thanks so much, Amy!
Brittany says
I suck at cooking and I’m a picky eater. I’ve been looking for easy recipes with minimal ingredients. This was so easy and tastes amazing! I’m stunned! Will for sure recommend to others and make again.
Dee says
Thank you SO much for your review, Brittany! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Logan says
Looking forward to making this tonight for the family. Am wondering if it would also work with ground Italian sausage for a different flavor profile…?
Dee says
Yes! Here’s a recipe with the sausage instead of chicken Instant Pot . Creamy Sausage and Shells
Shana says
Delicious! Will make again for sure.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Shanna! So glad you liked it!
D says
This recipe is now in the regular rotation at my house. I love the simplicity! It might be the sauce brand I buy, but we thought it was a little bland as-written, so I’ve started doubling the seasonings, adding about 1.5 cups of “fiesta blend” shredded cheese, as well as a can of mild rotel (drained) and it’s now perfect for our taste. Thanks for the recipe!
Dee says
Sounds like a whole new recipe! Glad you like it.
Libby says
I’ve made this before following the recipe as it was great but this time I’m gonna use chicken stock instead of water and see how it comes out.
Dee says
It’ll probably have even more flavor. 🙂
Susan says
Quick, easy, & delicious. I stirred in about 3 cups of raw baby spinach before adding heavy cream & parmesan cheese. My family loved this meal. Thanks for a great recipe!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Susan! I love that you added spinach — yum!
Kim Sloan says
How to cook if don’t have a pressure cooker?
Dee says
I have a one pot recipe coming soon. In the meantime, you could cook the chicken in one pot and add in cooked pasta. 🙂
Kim says
Have you posted the one pot recipe? I don’t have a pressure cooker either. Thanks 🙂
Dee says
It’s on my list of things to do, Kim. I’m hoping to get it out this week. 🙂
Peg says
My very picky husband LOVED this dish!! It was so easy and so very tasty!! I immediately sent the recipe to my very busy daughter in law because I know that her whole family will love it!! I’m so happy I found this site!!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Peg! This made my day! 🙂
David says
Delicious, very easy. Thanks!
Dee says
So glad you liked it, David. Thanks!
Amber says
Tried this and it was super good! Got a little nervous because there’s no water amount on the recipe to put in the instant pot, so I kinda just guesstimated! But besides that this was absolutely delicious and can’t wait to make it again!!!
Dee says
So glad you liked it! The recipe states 3 cups of water, so I’m not sure how that was missed. 🙂
Kristi W says
When do you add the water? Probably a silly question but I just want to make sure I make it right.
Dee says
You add the water after you add the pasta — before the sauce. 🙂
Katie says
Can you make this and then freeze it for a future meal?
Dee says
Yes! It makes a lot, so I often freeze and reheat the leftovers for later — reheats well!
Jason D'Eugenio says
Tried your recipe last night and it was great! I have two picky eaters and they both loved it. My daughter said she wasn’t going to eat it. She took a bite of mine and then proceeded to come back many more times for mouthfuls. It was super easy and minimal ingredients for a quick, hot, tasty dinner. Thanks!
Dee says
Awesome, Jason! So glad you and your family enjoyed it — thanks! 🙂
Erin E says
If I already have a cream sauce will this recipe still work without adding the cream?
Dee says
It might be a little bit thicker than the original, but it should work.
Brenda says
I want to try this recipe for a large not Mier of people. Do you think it can be doubled in the 8 quart instant pot?
Dee says
You should definitely be able to double it in the 8 quart. Just keep the cook time the same. 🙂
Jessica Johnson says
Does the chicken and shred or is it in bite-size pieces?
Dee says
You cut the chicken first so that it’s in bite-sized pieces.
Matt says
Used half and half because that’s what we had at home. Whole family liked it! Thanks.
Dee says
Thanks, Matt. I’m so glad you all liked it!
Kim says
Im wondering if you know if this can be done in a crockpot instead of a pressure cooker
Dee says
I haven’t tried it in the Crock-Pot, but I do have a stove-top version that’s made in one pot.
Christy says
All I have is frozen chicken breasts. Can I use frozen chicken instead? If so, how would you do it? I’m super excited to try this!!!! Thanks in advance!!
Dee says
I would thaw the chicken and then cut it and go from there. The chicken needs to be mostly cooked first so that the pasta doesn’t overcook. 🙂
Kora says
Typing this as I finish my third helping! This recipe really saved me tonight. It was easy, REALLY delicious, and both of my picky eaters devoured it. This was my first try doing an Instant Pot recipe with pasta, (I used macaroni) and it was a resounding success. Sauce was rich and flavorful, and pasta was done to perfection. I will make it again and again. Bravo! Thank you!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Kora. I’m so happy you and your family liked it! 🙂
Misha says
What do you think about subbing coconut milk in place of cream? Hubs is lactose intolerant!!! Any other sub ideas??
Dee says
Coconut milk would work, but the taste may be slightly different. I’ve also seen some lactose-free creams out there, so you may want to check those out. Hope this helps. 🙂
Eslynn P says
Wow! This one is hard to mess up really. I used the recipe as a general guideline and it turned out fantastic! Exceptional dish for meal prepping as well. Every one for the rest of the week was delicious, even after refrigerating for a few days.
Dee says
Thanks so much! So glad you liked it!
Richard says
Hi Dee,
Can you use lean ground beef instead of chicken with same recipe?
I made with chicken and it was awesome, so wanted to try it with ground beef.
Thanks!
Dee says
Hi Richard. I so have a recipe that uses ground beef right here. 🙂 https://www.meatloafandmelodrama.com/instant-pot-creamy-shells-beef/
Richard says
Great thanks Dee!
Marie says
Great recipe!
I never have the right ingredients on hand lol. In the place of the cream, I dropped three TBS of cream cheese (from the tub I use for bagels) into the pot before cooking and it thickened it just fine.
Dee says
That sounds really good. Whatever works, right?! 🙂
Jayne says
can half and half be used instead of the heavy cream?
Dee says
Yes! It might not be quite as thick, but it’ll definitely work!
Shelby says
Yum! This is the first while instant pot meal I tried making and it was a success. All of my picky eaters enjoyed it. Easy, quick, and short clean up. Plus it tastes good. Definitely a winner!
Dee says
That’s wonderful, Shelby! I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
Anna @ instapots says
Oh my god! This looks so creamy and cheesy, and you can’t beat chicken and pasta. I can’t wait to give this recipe a go!
Jeanette Lowrance says
Just made it as a quick meal for my SO to take to work for lunch….will definitely be saving this recipe! It came out much better than anticipated! (I’m Sicilian, so I was skeptical!) I followed the directions exactly, but topped it with grated Parmesan Cheese. It’s delucious.
Dee says
Awesome news, Jeanette! It’s definitely Americanized pasta, so I’m happy to hear you liked it! 🙂
Jess says
Made this last night and it was so easy and yummy! I used chicken broth instead of water and added half Parmesan and half mozzarella just because I love lots of flavor. Will definitely make it again!
Dee says
Your version sounds delicious! I’ll have to try that next time. 🙂
Andrew says
Can you add vodka to this to make a vodka sauce?
Dee says
I haven’t tried it, but that sounds good!
Emily P. says
I made this tonight and it was a HUGE hit!! So easy and SO good, will definitely make again!!!
Dee says
That’s awesome, Emily! I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
Gene says
Can I do this recipe in a crock pot and how long will it take
Dee says
I’ve never tried it in the Crock-Pot, so I’m not sure on the times. You might cook the chicken first for a couple of hours, and then add the pasta. 🙂
Emily says
What is a gradual quick release?
Dee says
Gradual quick release means slowly turning the valve to release pressure instead of releasing it all at once. I like to do this so liquid won’t spurt out.
Dana Laux says
Looks so yummy! Always looking for another reason to use “mom’s magic pot”! Thanks for sharing!
Dee says
Thanks, Dana. I hope you get a chance to try it!
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says
This looks really good for dinner tonight!
Miz Helen says
This looks like a great comfort dish, yum! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing your great post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Ohmygosh! This looks so creamy and cheesy, and you can’t beat chicken and pasta. I can’t wait to give this recipe a go!
Anna says
IP pasta is my go-to dinner on busy weeknights. So easy and my family loves it!
Sabrina says
This looks so creamy and delicious! Fantastic!
Jen says
I’ve been trying to use my instant pot more and more. It’s so much easier and helps get dinner on the table quicker. This definitely looks like a dinner my family is going to love!
Karlynn says
I love that this is made in the IP. Can’t get much better than this.
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I love creamy pastas. I’ve not tried to make one in the IP, going to have to try that.
Debi H says
Would this work in a 6 quart instant pot?
Dee says
It should be fine in a 6 quart. 🙂