I’m always on the hunt for meals that solve the “what’s for dinner” dilemma without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta hits all my requirements – it’s quick, loaded with protein and veggies, and happens to be utterly delicious. The pressure cooker does the heavy lifting while I can relax, and that creamy pesto sauce? It transforms ordinary chicken and pasta into something you’d swear came from a restaurant. Want to know my secret for keeping the vegetables perfectly crisp?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
When your schedule gets hectic but you still crave a restaurant-quality dinner, this pressure cooker pesto chicken pasta will become your new best friend. I’m telling you, the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant veggies all coated in creamy pesto is absolutely dreamy.
What’s not to love about a meal that cooks in just 3 minutes under pressure? The clever technique of steaming the veggies afterward gives them the perfect texture. No mushy broccoli here, folks.
Plus, it’s a complete one-pot meal with protein, carbs, and veggies. Weeknight dinner hero? I think yes.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta?
This delicious one-pot meal requires simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, making it perfect for those nights when you need something satisfying without a trip to the grocery store.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups water
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (270 mL) store-bought pesto
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
Feel free to swap in different vegetables based on what’s in season or what your family prefers—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach would all work beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.
How to Make this Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
Making this one-pot wonder couldn’t be simpler, which is why it’s become my go-to for those nights when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your pressure cooker, along with 2 medium diced chicken breasts and 3 cloves of minced garlic. No need to sauté first—that’s the beauty of this recipe!
Pour in 4 cups of water and add 1 pound of rotini pasta, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Ever had pasta stuck to the bottom of your pot? Not fun to clean, trust me.
Seal your pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for just 3 minutes—yes, you read that correctly, only 3 minutes! When the timer beeps, perform a quick release of pressure (careful of the steam!) and open the lid to reveal perfectly cooked pasta and chicken.
Now for the magic that transforms this from basic to brilliant: stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and that entire 270 mL jar of store-bought pesto. Then fold in your diced red pepper, small red onion, and chopped broccoli. The residual heat will gently cook these veggies to perfection without turning them to mush. Pop the lid back on (no pressure this time) and let everything steam together for about 10 minutes. Can you smell that herby, garlicky goodness wafting through your kitchen yet?
If you want to take your pesto to the next level, consider making it from scratch using a high-end blender that can create silky smooth textures perfect for this pasta dish.
What to Serve with Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
Most meals benefit from thoughtful pairings, and this pesto pasta dish is no exception. I love serving a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside this hearty pasta. The peppery greens and bright citrus cut through the creamy richness perfectly.
Garlic bread is another no-brainer, ideal for sopping up extra pesto sauce. Who can resist that buttery, herby goodness?
For drinks, try a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re not into wine, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works beautifully too. Simple, complementary, delicious.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
Now let’s talk about what happens after everyone’s stuffed themselves with pasta. This delicious pesto chicken pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing.
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend adding a splash of water or chicken broth to revive that creamy texture. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Can you freeze it? Absolutely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it’ll keep for 2-3 months. Perfect for those nights when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Creamy Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta Substitutions and Variations
Why limit yourself to just one version of this incredible pasta dish? I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own.
Swap chicken for Italian sausage or shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous. Not a fan of rotini? Any sturdy pasta works—penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat options for added nutrition.
The veggies are totally flexible too. Think cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini instead of broccoli. Can’t find jarred pesto? Make your own with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Dairy-free? Nutritional yeast makes a decent parmesan substitute.
Final Thoughts
With all those variations behind us, I’ve discovered that this pressure cooker pesto pasta has become a true lifesaver in my kitchen rotation. It’s the perfect weeknight solution when I’m craving something hearty but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
What makes this recipe special is how the Instant Pot infuses all those flavors together in minutes, not hours. The pasta absorbs the chicken essence, the veggies maintain just the right texture, and that pesto brings everything together in creamy harmony.
Like the Instant Pot Vegetable soup that cooks in under 30 minutes, this dish proves pressure cooking is revolutionizing how we approach weeknight meals.
Give it a try next time you’re in a dinner pinch. Your family might just request it weekly.