Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and can be made in just 30 minutes? Introducing the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Salsa Pasta—a delightful fusion of creamy Alfredo and zesty salsa that will leave your taste buds dancing! This one-pot wonder is not only a breeze to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to impress with this quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, measuring out pasta, salsa, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Add diced chicken to Instant Pot, using sauté mode to brown chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until exterior is golden.
- Pour uncooked pasta into Instant Pot over browned chicken.
- Add salsa and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all ingredients and ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform quick release to remove pressure.
- Open lid and stir contents, allowing sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over pasta, stirring to incorporate and create creamy texture.
- Let pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to further absorb sauce and reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider prepping your ingredients in advance. Dice the chicken and measure out the pasta, salsa, and cream the night before, so you can quickly throw everything into the Instant Pot after a long day.
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid before sealing the Instant Pot. This ensures even cooking and prevents any pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a little kick, opt for a spicier salsa or add some red pepper flakes to the chicken while sautéing. This will enhance the flavor profile and give your dish a delightful heat.
- Cheese Matters: For a creamier texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged. Fresh cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor to your dish.
- Resting Time: Allowing the pasta to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps it absorb the sauce, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your pasta with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 130mg
