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Easy Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta photo

Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy, one-pot Instant Pot pasta with tender chicken and broccoli ready in minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika regular paprika may be substituted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder dry ground seasoning, not liquid mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper or to taste
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound penne pasta dry, uncooked
  • 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese brick-style; not spreadable, whipped, lite, or fat-free
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream half-and-half may be substituted but do not use lower fat dairy
  • 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese plus more for garnishing if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for garnishing
  • fresh basil optional for garnishing

Equipment

  • 6-quart Instant Pot
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Mixing bowl or large zip-top bag
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)

Method
 

  1. Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to Sauté and melt the butter.
  2. While the butter melts, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag; add the diced chicken and toss or shake to coat evenly.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the melted butter and sauté uncovered for about 2 minutes, stirring and flipping frequently.
  4. Add the uncooked penne to the pot, pour the chicken broth over the pasta, and stir to combine, making sure pasta is mostly submerged.
  5. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal the vent. Cook at High Pressure for 3 minutes (the pot will take several minutes to come to pressure).
  6. When the cooking time ends, perform a quick release of pressure, then carefully open the lid with protected hands to avoid steam burns.
  7. Return the pot to Sauté, add the cream cheese and push it into the hot pasta so it begins to melt; cover with the lid and let sit for 2 minutes to encourage melting.
  8. Turn the Instant Pot off, open the lid, add the broccoli florets, stir to combine, then replace the lid and let the pot sit, turned off, for 5 minutes so the broccoli steams.
  9. After 5 minutes, open the lid, add the heavy cream, Colby Jack, and Parmesan; stir until cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Garnish with additional Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil if desired, then serve.

Notes

  • For stovetop: sauté chicken, cook pasta separately, then combine with cheeses and reserved pasta water.
  • You can use 2 tablespoons olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
  • Reserve 1–2 cups pasta water to thin sauce if needed when using stovetop method.
  • Do not use reduced-fat cream cheese or lower-fat dairy than half-and-half for best texture.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste after cheeses are added.