Contents
Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a fantastic choice. This creamy and savory dish comes together in just a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional Alfredo pasta. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time, all in one pot.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces fettuccine noodles, broken in half
3 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is not only easy to make but also satisfies those creamy pasta cravings with its rich flavors. Serve it hot, topped with chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Sauté the Chicken
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Melt the butter, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour the white wine into the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Add Liquids and Pasta
Stir in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and fettuccine noodles. Place the cooked chicken on top.
Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and select the manual setting. Adjust the pressure to high and set the timer for 6 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Thicken the Sauce
Stir the pasta mixture and let it stand, stirring occasionally, until about half of the liquid has reduced, approximately 3 minutes.
Add Cheese and Season
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted, about 1 minute. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Chicken Choices
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used.
Pasta Cooking
Fettuccine noodles can be broken in half to fit better in the pot if necessary.
Wine Option
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken stock.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like asiago or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the dish with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Seasoning
Massage kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper into the chicken to enhance its flavor, ensuring even distribution for a well-seasoned dish.
Sautéing
Use the high sauté setting on the Instant Pot to cook the chicken and garlic. This technique imparts a golden-brown color and rich flavor to the chicken, while also releasing aromas from the garlic.
Deglazing
After sautéing, pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pot. Scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot adds depth to your sauce and prevents sticking.
Pressure Cooking
Utilize the manual pressure setting to cook the ingredients quickly under high pressure. This method ensures that the chicken remains tender, and the pasta cooks thoroughly in the flavorful liquid.
Thickening the Sauce
After pressure cooking, allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce for a creamy texture.
Incorporating Cheese
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end, stirring until melted. This technique enhances creaminess and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may cook slightly faster and could be less tender compared to thighs.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a lighter alternative, but this may change the overall creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Lightly sautéed vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and creamy dish that is both quick and easy to prepare. With the chicken thighs simmered to perfection and fettuccine noodles absorbing rich flavors, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of garlic, white wine, and Parmesan creates a comforting sauce that satisfies the cravings for Italian cuisine without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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