instant pot chicken alfredo with jar sauce: Step by Step guide! Best guide 2024.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to make Instant Pot chicken Alfredo with jar sauce.

Step by Step Guide: instant pot chicken alfredo with jar sauce

Creating a delicious Instant Pot chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to whip up this creamy dish in no time.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 1 jar (about 16 ounces) of Alfredo sauce (store-bought)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Measure out your pasta, chicken broth, and jar of Alfredo sauce, and have your seasonings on hand.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté Mode: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
2. Add Olive Oil: Once the pot is hot, pour in the olive oil.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add them to the pot and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Pasta

1. Deglaze the Pot: Pour a small amount of chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents the burn notice during cooking.
2. Add Remaining Broth: Pour in the remaining chicken broth and place the fettuccine pasta on top in a crisscross pattern. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Do Not Stir: Add the sautéed chicken on top of the pasta. Do not stir; just let the ingredients sit on top of each other.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position.
2. Set Cooking Time: Select the manual or pressure cook mode and set the timer for 8 minutes.
3. Start Cooking: Press start and let the Instant Pot do its magic!

Step 5: Quick Release

1. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to venting.
2. Open the Lid: When the pressure has fully released and the pin drops, carefully open the lid.

Step 6: Stir in the Alfredo Sauce

1. Add Alfredo Sauce: Pour the entire jar of Alfredo sauce into the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Mix Well: Gently stir the mixture until everything is well combined and the sauce is heated through. If necessary, you can switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode for a minute or two to warm the sauce further.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Dish: Spoon the chicken Alfredo onto serving plates.
2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
3. Serve: Enjoy your creamy Instant Pot chicken Alfredo with a side salad or garlic bread!

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish on a cozy evening. The beauty of using jarred sauce is that it saves time without compromising flavor, allowing you to enjoy a homemade taste with minimal effort.

From key ingredients to step-by-step instructions, variations, and even tips for storing leftovers, we’ll cover it all to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.

Key ingredients for the recipe

When crafting a delightful Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce, the selection of key ingredients is essential for achieving that creamy, savory flavor.

At its core, this pasta dinner requires some pantry staples and a few fresh components.

For your protein, you will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

It’s best to cube these for quick and even cooking.

To meld your dish together, a 16-ounce jar of Alfredo sauce provides a rich and creamy base, while a 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth gives extra flavor and moisture to the mix.

To capture that classic Alfredo texture and mouthfeel, add a half-pound of fettuccine noodles, broken in half for better fit and absorption in your electric pressure cooker.

Additionally, to truly bring your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo to life, enhance your dish with optional toppings.

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese lends a sharp, cheesy tang, and a handful of fresh parsley can add a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

For those looking for a hint of spice, consider sprinkling some red pepper chili flakes into the mix.

Don’t forget the essentials – water for pressure cooking, a bit of oil or butter for sautéing, and some garlic, along with salt and black pepper, to season your dish to perfection.

Preparing the chicken for cooking

Preparing chicken for cooking in an Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo dish is straightforward and helps ensure a delicious result.

To start, you’ll want to cube your pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into half-inch pieces.

This ensures even cooking throughout. Heat a bit of oil in the electric pressure cooker on the sauté setting, then add the chicken to the pot.

Cook the chicken for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s no longer pink.

For added flavor, sprinkle your cubed chicken with a mix of seasonings.

Consider minced garlic for a rich aroma, alongside salt, dried parsley, and dried oregano to infuse the meat with classic Italian seasoning.

Once the chicken is sufficiently sautéed, it’s essential to deglaze the pot.

Pour in a little chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any chicken bits from the bottom of the pot, preventing them from sticking and burning during the pressure cook phase.

After this step, remove the sautéed chicken and set it aside to make room for the pasta and additional ingredients in your creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce.

A well-prepared chicken is the foundation of a delicious pasta dinner, and these simple steps help ensure that each bite is flavorful. Pair with garlic bread and garnish with fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch.

Choosing the right pasta for your dish

When making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce, your choice of pasta can make a significant difference in the dish’s texture and flavor profile.

While traditional Alfredo recipes call for fettuccine, you can venture out with other pasta types such as penne, which may require adjusting the cook time to ensure ideal doneness.

For uniform cooking and seamless sauce integration, cut your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, and consider selecting a pasta shape that complements these pieces.

If you opt for chicken tenders instead of skinless chicken breasts, take note that the cooking time may be shorter.

Accompanying these with medium shells or macaroni could be delightful, but remember to adapt your pressure cook time accordingly.

For those who appreciate efficiency, toss in vegetables, like broccoli florets, with your pasta for an all-encompassing pot meal that saves time without skimping on nutrition.

Lastly, regardless of the pasta type, storing leftovers is a breeze.

Simply use an airtight container to preserve your pasta dinner’s freshness. Whether reheated for a quick lunch or transformed into a new creation, leftover chicken Alfredo can offer convenience and delectable possibilities in the days following its initial preparation.

Selecting a quality jarred Alfredo sauce

Selecting a quality jarred alfredo sauce is key to creating a delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with ease.

Brands such as RAO’S and Bertolli have garnered attention for their high-quality sauces, which serve as an excellent foundation for the dish.

These sauces can stand out even more with a few simple enhancements.

Try stirring in fresh minced garlic, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a handful of chopped parsley to bring a homemade touch to your pasta dinner.

If you’re considering whipping up your own sauce, taking the homemade route with ingredients like heavy cream or cream cheese is certainly an option.

This method could yield a ready-to-serve sauce in roughly 20 minutes, delivering a different flavor profile that might just suit your craving.

Personal taste shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing your jar sauce either.

The market offers a spectrum of flavor profiles, ranging from a rustic roasted garlic to a classic Italian seasoning blend. Select one that satisfies your palate preferences.

Finally, for an extra layer of flavor, opt for chicken broth as a substitute for water.

This simple switch can significantly enhance the depth and richness of the jarred sauce, infusing your chicken Alfredo dish with a more complex and savory character.

Step-by-step instructions for making the dish

Creating a delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is simpler than you might think, and following these step-by-step instructions will help you achieve a comforting pasta dinner in no time.

Sautéing the chicken in the Instant Pot

Begin your culinary journey by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘sauté’ function.

Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot.

Place your pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into the pot and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the outside turns a nice white color and the inside is no longer pink.

Season the chicken during this process with minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to infuse the meat with savory aromas.

After your chicken breasts have browned, use a metal spoon to gently deglaze the pot, scraping off any delicious browned bits from the bottom.

This step is essential to prevent burning during pressure cooking and helps enhance the dish’s flavor. Once this is done, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Adding the pasta and sauce

After you’ve sautéd the chicken, don’t layer it back in just yet.

Instead, start by placing dry fettuccine noodles (preferably broken in half for better coverage) at the bottom of your pot.

Pour in chicken broth seasoned with garlic powder and salt along with heavy cream, ensuring that the liquid covers the pasta sufficiently.

Do not stir at this point; this is crucial for preventing the noodles from sticking to the bottom and triggering the dreaded burn notice.

Gently layer on your jar alfredo sauce over the pasta. You can now add the sautéed chicken breast on top of the sauce, allowing for an even distribution of heat during cooking. do you like instant pot chicken alfredo with jar sauce.

Cooking the meal under pressure

Cap off your Instant Pot with its lid, secure the valve, and set the cooking time.

With the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking feature, you can have your Chicken Alfredo ready in surprisingly swift fashion—usually around a 10-minute pressure cook time is sufficient for perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken.

Remember not to overfill your Instant Pot beyond the maximum fill line, as this could affect the cooking efficiency and food safety.

Quick release and finishing touches

When the cooking time comes to an end, your Instant Pot will prompt you with a beep.

For pasta dishes, a quick release is typically recommended to prevent overcooking, but it’s advisable to perform a natural release for about 5-10 minutes before this.

To minimize mess from the starchy steam, you might want to cover the vent with a paper towel.

Once pressure is fully released, uncover your pot, and give your Chicken Alfredo a gentle stir.

The sauce may seem thin at first, but it will thicken as it stands. This is the perfect moment to add a splash of milk or extra cream cheese to reach your desired consistency.

Serve your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.

Pair with a side such as crisp garlic bread and you’ve got a complete, crowd-pleasing meal ready in about 20 minutes.

Leftover chicken from this dish can easily be stored for later use.

When reheating, consider adding a touch more cream to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture.

And there you have it—Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo made simple, using quality jar sauce, and cooked to perfection.

Variations to customize your Chicken Alfredo

Creating a delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is just the beginning.

With a few simple swaps and additions, you can customize this classic pasta dinner to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, transforming it into a meal that’s uniquely yours.

Adding vegetables for extra nutrition

To infuse your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with extra nutrition, consider integrating a variety of vegetables.

Fresh spinach or tender broccoli florets can be added just before pressure cooking to preserve their vibrant colors and valuable nutrients.

If you prefer, spinach and peas can also be stirred in after cooking, ensuring they don’t become overcooked while still boosting the dish’s nutritional value.

Broccoli, best steamed to perfection, should be mixed in at the very end of the cooking process.

This strategy maintains the vegetable’s texture while keeping essential vitamins intact.

The addition of these vegetables not only elevates the nutritional content but also introduces an enticing array of colors and flavors, complementing the creamy alfredo sauce exquisitely.

To further tailor the flavor of your vegetable-enhanced Chicken Alfredo, seasonings such as Italian seasoning, onion powder, or garlic powder can be added for a more complex and savory profile.

Mixing in additional proteins

For those looking to vary the protein in their Chicken Alfredo, you’re not limited to skinless chicken breast.

Alternatives like tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs, savory precooked sausage, or succulent ham can be effortlessly integrated into the recipe.

By tinkering with different proteins, not only can you customize the dish to accommodate various palates and preferences, but you can also enhance the overall depth of flavor.

These protein variations introduce a new dimension to the meal, making it a versatile option for any day of the week.

Remember to adjust the cooking time as needed when substituting proteins to ensure everything is cooked just right, preserving safety and flavor.

Exploring alternative sauces

While this recipe harnesses the convenience of using a jar sauce, that doesn’t mean you’re limited in flavor options.

Adventurous cooks might choose high-quality jar sauces, like a hearty roasted garlic variety, to bring a homemade taste to the table rapidly.

If the ready-made sauce isn’t achieving the desired creaminess, additional parmesan cheese, a dollop of cream cheese, or a pinch of cornstarch can help reach the perfect texture.

Moreover, for those who enjoy a bit of kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha can add an exciting twist to the alfredo base.

And if you’re in the mood for an even richer, herbaceous sauce, stirring in a spoonful of basil pesto can lend a fresh flavor that complements the creamy backdrop.

Alfredo sauce serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, so feel free to experiment with spices and enhancements to tailor the dish to your liking.

With these customizable options, your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce can quickly become a unique and nutritious mealtime favorite, sure to please any palate.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or venture out with modifications, the Instant Pot ensures a delicious outcome every time.

Tips for storing leftovers

When it comes to enjoying your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce for more than just one meal, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your leftovers remain delightful:

• Store your leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container; this will help to preserve its quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• When you’re ready to reheat your Alfredo on the stovetop, don’t forget to add a splash of milk or cream. This step is crucial as it reintroduces moisture, preventing the sauce from being too thick or dry.
• If the microwave is your reheating method of choice, patience is a virtue. Warm the Chicken Alfredo thoroughly first, then stir in a splash of milk or cream to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
• It’s common for the fettuccine noodles to absorb the sauce over time. To counteract this, additional liquid is beneficial during reheating so that your pasta dinner remains just as satisfying as when first served.
• For those planning ahead, freezing Chicken Alfredo is an option. Freeze it directly in the dish you’ll use for baking, making your future meal prep a breeze.

Remember, a few simple steps can ensure your Chicken Alfredo tastes just as good the next day!

Frequently asked questions

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a beloved pasta dish that offers much-desired convenience and adaptability.

Many home cooks have questions about how to tailor the recipe to their needs and how to store leftovers.

Here are some commonly asked questions that may prove useful:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, using frozen chicken in an Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe is perfectly okay.

There’s no need to thaw the chicken first; you can place it directly into the Instant Pot.

However, bear in mind that the recommended cook time for frozen chicken on high pressure is typically around 15 minutes.

To help maintain moisture, it’s a good idea to add some chicken stock to the pot.

While some recipes do suggest using thawed chicken for better sauté results, it is crucial to confirm that the frozen chicken is fully cooked to the appropriate internal temperature before serving, which might call for a slightly extended cook time.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

You can store your leftover Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure to use an airtight container to retain the quality of the dish. Upon reheating, whether you use the stove or the microwave, enrich the pasta and sauce with a little milk or cream to reintroduce moisture.

Since the pasta tends to absorb the sauce while refrigerated, adding a bit of liquid helps to return the dish to its initial creamy texture.

For extended storage, the dish can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Traditional Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo incorporates dairy ingredients like heavy cream and cheese; however, they can be substituted with lower-fat dairy options such as half-and-half or evaporated milk, though this may require a different approach to prevent curdling.

Add evaporated milk after pressure cooking and mix it with cheese. Keep in mind that excessive reduction or substitution of dairy fats might make the dish too runny or diminish its characteristic richness.

For completely dairy-free alternatives, you will need to explore non-dairy options to replicate the creamy texture essential to this dish.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Certainly! The Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe can be customized with different pasta varieties according to your taste preferences.

This could be penne, rigatoni, or classic fettuccine. It’s important to adjust the cook time accordingly to get your pasta just how you like it.

For longer varieties such as spaghetti or fettuccine, breaking the strands in half before adding them to the pot helps to ensure even cooking.

The dish is versatile enough to allow a change in protein from chicken breasts to boneless, skinless thighs and to support the addition of various vegetables, like broccoli or mushrooms, to boost its nutritional profile while working with any kind of pasta.

instant pot chicken alfredo with jar sauce frozen chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a delectable and convenient pot meal that transforms a simple pasta dinner into an exquisite dish, even when using frozen chicken.

The use of frozen chicken slightly extends the cooking time but remains a quick and effortless process that culminates in a creamy, satisfying entrée in roughly 30 minutes.

To begin, utilize the sauté function of your electric pressure cooker to cook the chicken breasts.

If you’re starting with pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this initial step is essential for infusing the meat with deep flavors, setting the stage for a more robust Alfredo dish.

Once the chicken is sautéd to perfection, incorporate your chosen jarred Alfredo sauce, ensuring the convenience and speed of preparation.

To personalize the dish, feel free to stir in grated Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, or even a splash of milk for an even silkier sauce.

Don’t forget a dash of Italian seasoning and black pepper for that classic Italian flair.

Finally, add your fettuccine noodles and an appropriate amount of chicken broth or cups of water directly into the pot.

The pressure cook function will tenderly cook your pasta, thoroughly melding all the flavors together.

For those who prefer a quick release to expedite their mealtime, it’s a viable option post-cooking.

However, for the best texture in your chicken, a natural release for 5-10 minutes is advisable before opting for the quick release.

Optional additions include cream cheese for added creaminess, fresh parsley as a colorful garnish, and a side of aromatic garlic bread.

With leftovers, consider storing or repurposing the chicken into another meal for the week.

Here’s a quick-reference table for your Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce and frozen chicken:

Remember, for those nights when comfort demands convenience without compromising on taste, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce and frozen chicken is a go-to solution.

instant pot chicken alfredo with jar sauce penne

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is the epitome of a quick and hearty pasta dinner, perfectly suited for those busy weeknights.

Crafting this dish under 30 minutes, you’ll find penne pasta as a popular choice for its exceptional ability to grasp and hold the rich Alfredo sauce, though fettuccine or rotini are also excellent pasta shapes to consider.

To elevate the dish’s flavor profile, incorporate spices such as Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Feel free to add a nutritious twist by mixing in vegetables like peas, spinach, or steamed broccoli.

Enhancing the Alfredo Sauce:

• Heavy cream
• Light cream cheese
• Cornstarch (for thickening)

Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to deepen the flavor while keeping the salt content in check.

It’s an Instant Pot meal that promises to deliver the creamy goodness of a classic Chicken Alfredo without the fuss and time traditionally involved in preparation.

Quick Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce:

• Use penne for best sauce adhesion
• Enhance sauce thickness to preference
• Infuse with spices and veggies
• Opt for low-sodium broth for flavor balance

Enjoy the creamy decadence of this simple yet delicious pot meal, and pair it with garlic bread for a complete culinary delight.

instant pot fettuccine alfredo with jar sauce no meat

Creating a delicious and creamy Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo with no meat is both simple and time-efficient.

By utilizing a jarred Alfredo sauce, you can accelerate the cooking process while still achieving a restaurant-quality flavor.

This no-fuss recipe does not necessitate any preliminary sautéing and can be adapted for vegetarians without compromising on taste.

To begin, gather your ingredients:

• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (your choice of brand)
• 1 pound fettuccine noodles
• 2 cups water or chicken broth (for added flavor)
• Optional: Minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley

Follow these quick steps:

1. Place the uncooked fettuccine noodles into your electric pressure cooker.
2. Pour in your preferred jarred Alfredo sauce and add the water or chicken broth, ensuring the noodles are submerged.
3. Optional: Infuse with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley to elevate the jar sauce.
4. Secure the lid and set the pressure cook time for 7 minutes.
5. Once done, let it do a quick release or a natural release for 5-10 minutes.
6. Stir well and, if needed, add a splash of milk for extra creaminess.

Serve your Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley. Pair with garlic bread for the ultimate pasta dinner experience.