Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe (Instant Pot)

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Pesto chicken pasta is quick and easy but doesn’t skimp out on flavor! Make this one pot meal in 20 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients.

Tender bites of meat, perfectly cooked noodles, and a creamy sauce ‌create a dish that boasts a beautiful symphony of Italian flavors.

Whip out this recipe for dinner on a busy weeknight or make a meatless version as a side dish for any of your grilled favorites.

Check out my other instant pot recipes, including savory pork chops with gravy and extra creamy mac and cheese!

Or, try some different takes on pesto chicken pasta like this chilled potluck pleaser or one that includes tortellini and tomatoes.

titled collage for instant pot pesto chicken pasta

Pesto Chicken Pasta – Ingredient Notes

  • Noodles – Use any long, thin variety like spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
  • Poultry – I like to use tenders to cut down on prep time. Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless breast or thigh meat if you prefer.
  • Basil pesto – The classic herbal flavors really shine in this dish, but a sun-dried tomato version would also be delicious. Our homemade Basil Pesto is amazing in this recipe.
  • Water – Don’t forget this! It’s absolutely crucial to ensure that both the meat and spaghetti are thoroughly cooked.
  • Bullion cubesThese really enhance the other herb flavors in the dish. If you prefer, replace these and the water with broth or stock instead.
ingredients on counter for pesto chicken recipe

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pesto pasta ‌can be a bit heavy, so pair it with lighter sides like green salad, roasted veggies, or seasonal fruit.

It’s also delicious with focaccia or your favorite crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce!

ingredients in pressure cooker for pesto chicken pasta

FAQ‌ ‌-‌ ‌Common‌ ‌Recipe‌ ‌Questions‌

Can I make this pesto pasta chicken recipe on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely! To do this, you will need to cook the noodles and sauce separately.

  1. Boil spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside when done.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Saute the meat with salt and bullion cubes until it is no longer pink.
  3. Stir in the half and half and cream cheese until the mixture starts to thicken.
  4. Add the cheese and pesto, then continue stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Pour the sauce over the noodles, garnish, and enjoy!
chicken pesto pasta in pressure cooker

How long will chicken pesto pasta last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers will stay fresh in a sealed container for up to one week.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk and extra cheese as needed. Be sure to stir frequently to ensure it is evenly heated throughout.

Can I use homemade pesto for chicken pasta?

Of course! If you don’t have your own recipe, simply combine the following ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

  • fresh basil
  • pine nuts
  • Parmesan cheese
  • olive oil
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • sea salt

Enjoy!

noodles in creamy white and green sauce, close up

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice 

Instant Pot Chicken and Mushrooms

Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob 

twirling pesto chicken pasta on fork

instant pot chicken pesto pasta

Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe (Instant Pot)

Donna Elick
Pesto chicken pasta is quick and easy but doesn’t skimp out on flavor! Make this one pot meal in 20 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients.
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Instant Pot
Servings 4 – 6

Ingredients
 

  • 8 ounces chicken tenderloin, cut into 1” cubes
  • 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1” cubes
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 4 cups water

Instructions
 

  • Using the sauté function on your instant pot, melt your butter.
  • Add the water, half and half, salt, and chicken bouillon cubes to the melted butter and give a quick stir.
  • To your water mixture, add your pasta, cubed chicken, and cubed cream cheese. Gently mix/push down on these ingredients until they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  • Place the lid on your pressure cooker and pressure cook your pasta mixture on high for 6 minutes.
  • Perform a quick release.
  • Once your quick release is finished, open your instant pot and add your mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and pesto. Stir until homogeneous.
  • Garnish your pasta with extra salt, some olive oil, or some fresh basil, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1135cal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 2209mg | Sugar: 9g | Fiber: 5g | Calcium: 446mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled collage for pesto chicken instant pot recipe

Originally published July 2021

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