Cook Like a Pro with Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Craving the comforting flavors of an Olive Garden classic but strapped for time? Enter the Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot edition. This delightful recipe brings the beloved taste of Olive Garden’s signature chicken pasta straight to your kitchen, all within the convenience and speed of an Instant Pot.

Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests, this dish marries succulent chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, all infused with that irresistible Italian dressing zing. Let’s dive into the magic of crafting this delectable meal, transforming a regular evening into a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Ingredients For Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Every great dish begins with the right ingredients, and our Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot is no exception. Knowing what to use and why each ingredient is crucial helps ensure that the final product is not only delicious but also authentic to the flavors you love. This section will walk you through the essential components of the dish and provide insights into their roles.

To whip up the Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot style, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Opt for fresh chicken to ensure tenderness and flavor. You can also substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing: This dressing is the star of the show, bringing the signature Olive Garden flavor to your dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a depth of flavor and aroma to the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper: A basic seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 teaspoon dry parsley: Provides a subtle herby note that complements the Italian dressing.
• 16 ounces of uncooked pasta (penne or similar): Short pasta varieties like penne or rigatoni work best for this dish, ensuring they cook evenly and soak up the delicious sauce.
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: Using reduced-sodium broth helps balance the dish’s saltiness, especially since the dressing already contains salt.
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and creamy texture to the pasta.
• 8 ounces cream cheese: Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese for the best creamy consistency. Avoid fat-free versions as they may not melt well.

Required Equipment

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary equipment. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything on hand to create the dish efficiently. Let’s take a look at the tools you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.

• Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker: The key appliance that makes this dish quick and convenient.
• Cutting board and knife: For prepping the chicken and any additional ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: To mix and marinate the chicken with the seasonings.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out ingredients to ensure balanced flavors.
• Wooden spoon for stirring: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Required Time

Time management is crucial when preparing any meal, especially when you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner. Understanding the time required for each step helps you plan better and ensures the dish is ready when you need it. Here, we break down the time commitment for this recipe.

Preparing this dish will take approximately 25 minutes in total:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes. This includes cutting the chicken and mixing the marinade.
• Cook Time: 4 minutes. The actual cooking time in the Instant Pot is incredibly short, thanks to the pressure cooking method.
• Pressure Release Time: 6 minutes. This step allows the pressure to release naturally, ensuring the chicken and pasta finish cooking perfectly.
• Mixing and Serving Time: 10 minutes. Stirring in the cheeses and serving up the dish takes a few additional minutes.

Step By Step Instructions For Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Following a clear, step-by-step guide ensures that even novice cooks can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. In this section, we provide detailed instructions that will help you navigate the cooking process with ease. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, these steps will make preparing this meal straightforward and enjoyable.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. Place the pieces in a large mixing bowl.
2. Marinate: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken. Add the garlic powder, ground pepper, and dry parsley. Mix well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. For a deeper flavor, you can let the chicken marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator, but if you’re short on time, you can proceed immediately.

3. Load the Instant Pot: Transfer the marinated chicken into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Make sure to spread it out evenly across the bottom.

4. Add Pasta: Layer the uncooked pasta over the chicken. It’s important not to stir at this stage. This layering technique helps ensure even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking together.

5. Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring it covers the pasta. The broth will cook the pasta and infuse it with flavor.

6. Cook: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Set it to Manual High for 4 minutes, ensuring the pressure release valve is sealed. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.

7. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 6 minutes. This gradual release helps the pasta and chicken finish cooking without becoming mushy. After 6 minutes, carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure.

8. Finish with Cheese: Open the lid and stir in the shredded parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Stir until both cheeses are fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy, luscious sauce.

9. Serve: Dish out the creamy, flavorful pasta, and garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden experience!

Tips For Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Even the best recipes can benefit from a few expert tips. These little nuggets of wisdom can make the cooking process smoother and the final dish even more delicious. Here, we share some practical tips to help you get the most out of your Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot.

1. Chicken Choice: Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with tenderloins or thighs. Thighs can add a richer flavor due to their higher fat content, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. Pasta Variety: Use short pasta types like rigatoni or ziti for best results. Avoid long noodles as they may clump together and not cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
3. Creamy Finish: For an extra creamy texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt more easily and blend smoothly into the sauce.
4. Spice It Up: Customize the flavor by adding your favorite Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. A dash of red pepper flakes can also give the dish a spicy kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
5. Stirring Technique: When adding the cheeses at the end, use a gentle stirring motion to avoid breaking up the pasta. This keeps the dish looking appetizing and ensures the sauce coats every piece evenly.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Olive Garden Pasta Recipe
Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Serving Tips For Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Presentation and pairing can elevate a good dish to a great one. Serving your Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot with the right sides and garnishes can enhance the dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion. Let’s explore some creative and delicious serving suggestions.

1. Complementary Sides: Pair the pasta with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
2. Bread Love: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce. This also adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
3. Garnishing: Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and added freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a bit of spice and visual appeal.
4. Family Style: Present the dish family-style in a large bowl for a homely, inviting feel at the dinner table. This encourages communal dining and makes the meal more interactive and enjoyable.
5. Wine Pairing: For an adult twist, pair the meal with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a soft red like Chianti. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition in Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for maintaining a balanced diet. The Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot is not only delicious but also offers a variety of nutrients. In this section, we break down the nutritional profile of the dish to help you make informed dietary choices.

This dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch:

• Calories: Approximately 684 per serving. This provides a substantial energy boost, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
• Protein: The chicken and cheese provide a hearty dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Each serving offers a significant amount of protein, contributing to your daily requirements.
• Carbohydrates: The pasta offers a good source of carbs, fueling your body with energy. Carbohydrates are crucial for brain function and physical activity.
• Fats: Cream cheese and parmesan contribute to the fat content, necessary for hormone production and cell health. Using full-fat versions provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium from the dressing and broth; consider using low-sodium alternatives if needed. The dish contains a moderate amount of sodium, which should be balanced with low-sodium meals throughout the day.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Chicken Recipe Instant Pot is a testament to how simple ingredients and an Instant Pot can create a meal that’s both quick and sumptuous. Perfect for those bustling evenings when you need dinner on the table fast, this recipe ensures you don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The convenience of the Instant Pot, combined with the rich, creamy flavors reminiscent of Olive Garden, makes this recipe a true winner. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!