This creamy Crack Chicken Pasta transforms dinner into a gourmet experience. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce combine with al dente pasta and fresh spinach for a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Finished with mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish offers a comforting, indulgent twist on classic weeknight meals.

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I love making this Instant Pot Chicken Pasta because it is a quick and hearty meal packed with protein and vitamins. I start by seasoning 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder.

In the pot I add chopped bacon and minced garlic then let those flavors mix for a savory base. Next, I stir in 12 oz of softened cream cheese together with 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup low sodium chicken broth so the sauce comes together smooth and rich.

I mix in 8 oz pasta and later add 3 cups of fresh spinach, which boosts the nutritional value with added vitamins. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese are incorporated to enhance the protein and calcium benefits.

This recipe is perfect for a quick chicken dinner that delivers a comforting creamy pasta without a lot of fuss and it turns out great every time.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super easy to make even on a busy weeknight. I mean, you just toss everything in the Instant Pot and get a delicious meal in like 30 minutes.

Another reason I enjoy it is the mix of flavors. The creamy sauce combined with crispy bacon and tender chicken makes every bite really satisfying and full of flavor.

I also like that it feels like a whole meal in one dish. There’s the pasta, the spinach, and plenty of cheeses all coming together in such a comforting way that makes me feel all warm inside, you know?

Lastly, I love that it doesn’t take fancy cooking skills. Even if I mess up a little here or there, it still turns out pretty tasty most of the time, which is just perfect for a grade 10 like me who doesn’t always get everything right first time.

Ingredients

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Boneless Chicken: It’s a lean, protein-packed ingredient that makes the dish hearty.
Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch that intensifies flavor even though its a bit fatty.
Spinach: Rich in vitamins and fiber, offering a fresh, vibrant taste to the recipe.
Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base that balances the savory ingredients well.
Pasta: Supplies carbohydrates that bind everything together while adding satisfying texture.
Garlic: Intensifies aroma and flavor, making the dish pop with zest.
Chicken Broth: Infuses nourishing depth and moisture, blending flavors for perfect consistency.
Heavy Cream: Contributes velvety richness, rounding out the sauce with a smooth finish.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

8 slices bacon, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low sodium chicken broth

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work great)

3 cups fresh spinach

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make this

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1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the chopped bacon. Cook until its crisp, then remove most of the bacon but leaving a bit of the fat in the pot.

3. Put the chicken into the pot and cook it until it’s lightly browned on all sides.

4. Add the minced garlic into the pot and stir for about a minute until it smells yummy.

5. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and softened cream cheese. Mix well so the cream cheese begins to melt into the liquid.

6. Add the uncooked pasta, making sure most of it is submerged in the sauce.

7. Lock the lid in place, set your Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for 5 minutes.

8. Perform a quick pressure release, then quickly stir in the fresh spinach so it wilts in the hot sauce.

9. Finally, mix in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the crispy bacon you set aside.

10. Give everything a good stir, taste for extra salt or pepper if needed, and serve hot. Enjoy your pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot with both sauté and pressure cooking modes
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife for chopping chicken, bacon, and garlic
4. Measuring spoons and cups for spices and liquids
5. A mixing bowl to set aside cooked bacon
6. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
7. Plate for temporarily holding the crispy bacon
8. Tongs for handling hot ingredients (optional)
9. Ladle for serving the finished dish

FAQ

How long do I cook the chicken and pasta in the Instant Pot?

Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then do a quick release. If your pasta still seems a bit underdone, you can always simmer it a little more with the residual heat.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?

Yep, you can use half and half or evaporated milk but keep in mind the sauce might be a bit lighter in flavor.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or rotini are awesome choices cause they hold onto the creamy sauce real good, though you can try any shape you like.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Sure, but thaw and drain the spinach first. Fresh spinach gives a better texture but frozen does the job if that's what you have.

Why do I add bacon to the pasta?

The bacon adds a smokey flavor and extra richness that works really well with the cream cheese and Parmesan. It makes the dish extra tasty!

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Instead of using boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can swap them for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Cream Cheese: If you dont have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a thick Greek yogurt. Bear in mind, this might change the richness of the sauce a bit.
Heavy Cream: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half mixed with a little butter if you dont have heavy cream available. This will give you a similar, though slightly less rich, base.
Chicken Broth: If you dont have low sodium chicken broth, try using vegetable broth or water mixed with a bouillon cube to keep the flavor profile intact.

Pro Tips

1. Try marinating the chicken a bit beforehand with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder so its flavor really gets into the meat when you cook it in the pot.

2. When you cook your bacon, leave a bit of the fat behind in the pot. Its a small trick that really boosts the flavor of all the sauce later on.

3. Make sure when you add your pasta, it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Stir it a bit and check that its all coated so you dont end up with some uncooked pasta.

4. Right after the pressure release, stir in the spinach and cheeses quickly. This helps the spinach wilt in just the right way and keeps the cheeses from clumping up or getting oily.