Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot

Craving a delicious and effortless dinner that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen? Look no further than the Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot edition!

This recipe combines the beloved, comforting flavors of Olive Garden with the convenience of your Instant Pot, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or anytime you desire a zesty and creamy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that every bite of chicken and pasta is infused with rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot

Gathering everything you need for this recipe is a breeze, making your prep time quick and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These should be cut into bite-size pieces. Whether you prefer the leaner chicken breasts or the juicier thighs, both work perfectly in this recipe.
• 1 (16 oz) box penne pasta (uncooked): The pasta absorbs the flavors as it cooks, resulting in a delightful texture.
• 3/4 cup Olive Garden Signature Italian Salad Dressing: This dressing is the secret to achieving that authentic Olive Garden taste.
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon): This adds depth and richness to the dish. If you don’t have chicken broth, water mixed with bouillon is an excellent substitute.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the flavors.
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese: This is what makes the sauce incredibly creamy and indulgent.
• 1 (6.7 oz) jar sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped (optional): These add a burst of tangy sweetness and color to the dish.
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (optional): Fresh basil adds a wonderful aromatic element and brightens up the dish.
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy finish.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening): This slurry helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Required Equipment

• Instant Pot: The star of the show, ensuring a quick and hassle-free cooking experience.
• Cutting board: For prepping your chicken and any optional veggies.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces much easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for perfect flavor balance.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing the cornstarch slurry and mixing ingredients.

Required Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes (plus 5 minutes natural pressure release)

Step By Step Instructions for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot

Creating this delicious dish is straightforward and stress-free, thanks to the Instant Pot. Follow these steps for a hassle-free cooking experience:

• Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces. If the chicken is partially frozen, it will be easier to cut and handle. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
• Layer Ingredients in Instant Pot: Add the chicken pieces to the bottom of the Instant Pot, spreading them out in an even layer. Next, layer the uncooked pasta over the chicken. Pour the Olive Garden dressing and chicken broth over the pasta, ensuring that the liquid covers the pasta well. Sprinkle the black pepper over the top and place the cream cheese blocks on top. Do not stir the ingredients; this will ensure the pasta cooks perfectly without sticking.

• Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer to 3 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.

• Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time ends, let the Instant Pot sit for 5 minutes to release pressure naturally. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully. After 5 minutes, move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

• Add Extras: Open the lid and give the contents a good stir. At this point, you can add the optional sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. If you find the sauce too runny, turn on the sauté setting and add the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the pot. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

• Serve: Once everything is well mixed and the sauce is thickened, scoop the creamy, zesty pasta into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, restaurant-quality meal you’ve created in record time.

Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot

Ensure a smooth cooking process and enhance the flavors with these useful tips:

• Cut Chicken Partially Frozen: This makes slicing the chicken into bite-size pieces much easier and more precise. It also helps the chicken maintain its shape during cooking.
• Don’t Stir Before Cooking: Layer the ingredients in the Instant Pot without mixing them. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
• Quick Thickening: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, a cornstarch slurry will help achieve the perfect consistency. Simply mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce using the sauté setting.
• Optional Add-Ins: Customize your pasta with ingredients like diced tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. These additions can make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

Serving Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot

Enhance your dining experience and impress your family or guests with these serving suggestions:

• Garnish: Sprinkle extra shredded parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair your Olive Garden Chicken Pasta with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The salad can be a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy pasta, and the garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish makes for a great next-day lunch or dinner.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Nutrition in Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot

This dish not only delights the taste buds but also provides a balanced nutritional profile:

• Protein: The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Carbohydrates: Pasta adds necessary carbs, providing energy to keep you going throughout the day.
• Fats: Olive Garden dressing and cream cheese contribute to the fat content, which is important for satiety and flavor. Using the lower-fat version of the dressing can reduce the fat content if desired.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Sundried tomatoes and basil offer a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, while parmesan cheese adds calcium, supporting bone health.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Instant Pot is a game-changer for those seeking a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. With minimal prep and cook time, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want a cozy, satisfying dish without the hassle.

By combining the convenience of the Instant Pot with the rich flavors of Olive Garden, this recipe will surely become a family favorite, offering comfort and joy with every bite.