Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta

In less than 30 minutes, I can have dinner ready for my family with this Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe. It is loaded with chicken, a creamy cheese sauce, tender noodles, and crisp broccoli, making it a nourishing and complete meal that has my family asking for more every time.

The less time I spend making dinner, the more time I get to spend with my family, which is why I love making this chicken broccoli pasta using my Instant Pot. It has saved me many times during busy workweeks filled with job deadlines and activities for my 2 kids. You really can not beat recipes that taste this good, like my instant pot chicken pot pie made with thigh meat, egg noodles, and sour cream, or my tangy instant pot orange chicken flavored with white wine, orange juice, and soy sauce. Best of all, both are ready in just 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right!!

This Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights because it is easy to make with simple ingredients like fresh broccoli, chicken, seasoning, and broth. My kids are not picky at all about the broccoli in this pasta, and I love that everything cooks together in one pot so dinner is ready in about 30 minutes. If we have leftovers, they are easy to store, and since the whole family enjoys this cheesy chicken pasta, I hope you give it a try too.

Why you will love this recipe

• Quick weeknight dinner: I make this Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta when everyone is hungry and time is short, so I always recommend it for busy nights when dinner needs to happen fast.
• Easy one pot meal: I add the chicken, pasta, broccoli, broth, seasoning, and cheese right into the Instant Pot. There is very little prep and cleanup, which makes busy days much easier.
• Budget friendly: I make this recipe with simple ingredients like chicken, pasta, broccoli, and broth, which helps keep grocery costs down while still serving a filling family dinner.
• Great for leftovers: I often save extra portions for the next day since this pasta stores and reheats well. It works for family dinners, packed lunches, or nights when cooking again is not an option.

What you will need

• Pasta and chicken: I use bow tie pasta with boneless skinless chicken to make the meal hearty and filling.
• Veggies and flavor: I add fresh broccoli along with garlic and onion for flavor and texture.
• Cooking liquid: I use olive oil and stock to help cook the pasta and chicken together in the pot.
• Creamy sauce: I add heavy cream or cream cheese to make the sauce smooth and rich.
• Seasoning and cheese: I finish the dish with simple herbs, salt, and grated parmesan cheese.

How to make

1. Saute the broccoli: I preheat the Instant Pot using the saute setting and let it heat for about 5 minutes. Once hot, I cook the broccoli for 1 to 2 minutes until it is just al dente, then transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.

2. Cook the chicken: I add the chicken along with the onion and garlic to the pot. I cook everything together until the chicken is white and tender.

3. Add the sauce: I pour in the stock, then add the cheese, cream, seasonings, and salt. I stir everything well so the ingredients are fully combined.

4. Pressure cook the pasta: I add the uncooked noodles and stir everything together so they are covered in liquid. I close the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.

5. Finish and serve: I stir in the basil and cooked broccoli after the pasta is done, mixing gently so the broccoli stays tender. I taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve the chicken broccoli pasta while it is warm.

Expert tip

Cook broccoli separately

One helpful tip I always recommend is cooking the broccoli on its own before pressure cooking the pasta. I quickly sauté it just until it is bright green and slightly tender, then set it aside so it does not overcook in the Instant Pot. This extra step keeps the broccoli from getting soft or mushy and helps it keep a nice bite when everything is mixed together at the end.

More tips to consider:

• If I want softer noodles instead of al dente, I let the pasta sit for 1 to 2 extra minutes after pressure cooking before opening the lid. This helps the noodles absorb a bit more liquid.
• I always grate my cheese fresh instead of using canned cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds much more flavor to the sauce.
• I cut the chicken into similar sized pieces so it cooks through at the same time.
• I stir the pasta well before sealing the lid so it sits under the liquid. This helps the noodles cook properly.
• I let the pressure release fully before opening the lid so the sauce settles. This keeps the texture creamy and smooth.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Extra cheese comfort: I add 1 extra cup grated cheese at the end when my family wants a richer pasta night. It makes the sauce thicker and more filling for busy evenings.
• Veggie packed bowl: I stir in 1 cup green peas or 2 cups baby spinach after cooking when I want more vegetables on the table.
• Mild heat boost: I add 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes when I want a little warmth in the pasta.
• Different pasta shape: I swap the bow tie pasta for 12 ounces penne or rotini depending on what I have in the pantry. Both shapes cook well and hold the sauce nicely.
• Creamy lighter swap: I use 4 ounces cream cheese and add 1/2 cup extra broth when I want a softer sauce. This option still tastes creamy and works well for weeknight dinners.

Serving suggestions:

When I make this Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta for family dinners, I like adding a broccoli cauliflower salad on the side because it adds a fresh bite next to the creamy pasta. If it is a weekend or we have guests over, I warm up breadsticks and place them on the table so everyone can grab a piece while we sit and talk about our day.

For dessert, I usually follow this meal with no bake nutella fudge because it is easy to make ahead and everyone looks forward to it. When the weather is cool, I pour mugs of apple cider or I serve cranberry mocktail and we stay at the table longer, sharing stories and enjoying a simple dinner night together without rushing anywhere.

How to store leftovers:

• Store: I place leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It reheats well and makes an easy next day meal.
• Freeze: I let the pasta cool completely, then divide it into freezer safe containers. I freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: I reheat the pasta in the microwave using a microwave safe container. If it looks thick, I stir in a small splash of broth or cream before warming.

Frequently asked questions

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