Today, you will discover a quick and hassle-free way to make a delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta using a pressure cooker. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and flavorful meal but don’t have the time or energy for extensive cooking. By utilizing the efficient cooking power of a pressure cooker, you can have a mouthwatering pasta dish on the table in no time. Get ready to savor the creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta effortlessly cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breast
Start by getting chicken breast from your local grocery store or butcher. This will serve as the protein for your dish.
Fettuccine pasta
Choose your favorite brand of fettuccine pasta. This long, flat pasta is perfect for soaking up the flavorful Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese for a rich and nutty flavor. Freshly grated cheese will elevate the taste of your Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
Butter
Butter will provide a rich and creamy base for your Alfredo sauce. Be sure to use unsalted butter.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream is the key to achieving the creamy and velvety texture of the sauce. It adds a touch of decadence to this classic dish.
Garlic
Mince a few cloves of garlic to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. Garlic adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Salt
Season your Chicken Alfredo Pasta with salt to enhance all the flavors. Be mindful of the amount you use as some of the other ingredients already contain salt.
Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and complements the creaminess of the sauce. It adds a layer of depth to the overall taste.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth will enhance the savory flavor of the dish. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to have better control over the saltiness.
Preparation
Before you begin cooking, take some time to prepare all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Cut chicken breast into cubes
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. This will help the chicken cook evenly and make it easier to eat.
Mince garlic cloves
Next, mince the garlic cloves finely. Smaller pieces of garlic will distribute the flavor more evenly throughout the dish.
Grate Parmesan cheese
Grate the Parmesan cheese if you haven’t already done so. Freshly grated cheese will provide the best flavor and melt smoothly into the sauce.
Measure out butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth
Prepare the measured quantities of butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. This step will save you time during the cooking process and ensure you have everything readily available.
Cooking pasta separately
Before using the pressure cooker, cook the fettuccine pasta separately according to the instructions on the package. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn’t become mushy when subjected to pressure cooking later.
Sautéing Chicken
To kickstart the flavors of your Chicken Alfredo Pasta, start by sautéing the chicken.
Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode
Turn on your pressure cooker and select the sauté mode. This will allow you to cook the chicken in the pressure cooker before adding the other ingredients.
Melt the butter
Add the butter to the pressure cooker and let it melt. The melted butter will create a rich and flavorful base for the chicken.
Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the pressure cooker. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. This will infuse the dish with the delicious aroma of garlic.
Add chicken cubes
Now, add the chicken cubes to the pressure cooker. Ensure that the chicken pieces are spread out evenly to promote even browning.
Cook until lightly browned
Sauté the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides. This will enhance the flavor and add a beautiful golden color to your Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
Pressure Cooking
Now that you’ve sautéed the chicken, it’s time to bring out the pressure cooker’s magic.
Add chicken broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pressure cooker over the browned chicken. The broth will infuse the chicken with savory flavors and provide the necessary moisture for pressure cooking.
Season with salt and black pepper
Season the chicken and broth mixture with salt and black pepper. This will ensure that the dish is well-seasoned and that the flavors are balanced.
Close the pressure cooker lid
Securely close the lid of the pressure cooker to create a sealed cooking environment. This will allow the pressure cooker to build up pressure and cook the ingredients faster.
Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes
Adjust the settings on your pressure cooker to high pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes. The high pressure will quickly cook the chicken until it is tender and succulent.
Release pressure manually
Once the cooking time is up, manually release the pressure according to the instructions of your pressure cooker. This will allow you to open the lid safely without risking steam burns.
Adding Pasta and Cream
With the chicken cooked, it’s time to add the pasta and creamy components to create the signature Alfredo sauce.
Open the pressure cooker lid
Carefully open the pressure cooker lid and take a moment to appreciate the mouthwatering aroma that greets you. The pressure cooking process has worked its magic, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.
Remove chicken from the cooker and set aside
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the cooked chicken from the pressure cooker and set it aside on a plate or cutting board. This step prevents the chicken from overcooking or becoming dry while you finish the sauce.
Add fettuccine pasta to the cooker
Gently add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the pressure cooker. Ensure that the pasta is evenly distributed to maximize its exposure to the creamy sauce.
Ensure the pasta is fully submerged
Press down on the pasta gently to ensure that it is fully submerged in the liquid. This will help the pasta cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 3 minutes
Seal the pressure cooker once again and set the cooking time to 3 minutes on high pressure. This short cooking time will allow the pasta to become perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Finishing Touches
Now that the pasta has cooked under pressure, it’s time to add the final touches to the dish.
Release pressure manually
After the 3-minute cooking time has elapsed, release the pressure manually. This step ensures that the pasta doesn’t overcook and retains its al dente texture.
Open the pressure cooker lid
Once the pressure has been fully released, carefully open the pressure cooker lid. The aroma of cooked pasta and creamy sauce will make your mouth water.
Add cooked chicken back to the cooker
Return the cooked chicken to the pressure cooker and mix it with the pasta. This step will ensure that the chicken absorbs the flavors of the Alfredo sauce.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream
Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. These ingredients will create a luscious and velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta and piece of chicken. Stirring will help the ingredients combine and create a harmonious flavor profile.
Allow the sauce to thicken for a few minutes
Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes on the sauté mode of your pressure cooker. This additional cooking time will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
Your Chicken Alfredo Pasta is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Serve the Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot
Plate the Chicken Alfredo Pasta while it is still hot. The warm dish will be especially comforting and satisfying.
Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta to enhance the cheesy flavor and add a pleasant visual appeal. This garnish is perfect for cheese lovers.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish
For a touch of freshness and color, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top of the dish. The vibrant green of the parsley will contrast beautifully against the creamy sauce.
Enjoy the creamy and flavorful dish
Dig in and savor every forkful of this creamy and flavorful Chicken Alfredo Pasta. The tender chicken, al dente pasta, and velvety sauce will make each bite pure bliss.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to consider when making Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a pressure cooker:
Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor
To add some extra texture and flavor, you can incorporate cooked vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms. These vegetables will complement the creaminess of the dish and provide a burst of freshness.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat fettuccine pasta
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, opt for whole wheat fettuccine pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value of the dish with its higher fiber content.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the dish
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Adding herbs like basil or thyme, or spices like paprika or red pepper flakes, can transform the dish and cater to your taste preferences.
Try substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option
For those who prefer different protein options, consider substituting the chicken with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp will add a delightful seafood twist, while tofu provides a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Adjust the cooking times accordingly for the chosen protein.
With these tips and variations, you can adapt the Chicken Alfredo Pasta to suit your preferences and create a dish that you’ll love. Enjoy the journey of cooking and indulging in this mouthwatering pasta dish!