Our Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with ranch and bacon is just as good as it sounds. The creamy pasta will make your mouth water and have you going back for seconds...and thirds...
This Instant Pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it doesn't take long to make at all. We find that this dish is the ultimate comfort food, you don't have to meal prep for it, and the whole family will love it.
If you are looking for an easy weeknight meal, you are in the right place. Using an electric pressure cooker cuts down the cooking time and makes less of a mess in the kitchen. You throw all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot and it creates a complete meal!
You have to try this Instant Pot chicken pasta the next time you need an easy meal to make. Some other Instant Pot meals we love are our Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese, Instant Pot Spaghetti, and Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Top tip: Make sure to give the dish a good stir and scrap the bottom of the pot so the dish does not burn.
What you need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it requires simple ingredients that you can find at the grocery store. Life is way too busy to be running around at the store looking for ingredients, so I love easy recipes like this Instant Pot meal.
Rotini Pasta
We use gluten-free pasta when we make this Instant Pot chicken pasta recipe because I have celiac disease, but you can use whatever type of noodle you prefer. I've seen people use penne pasta for this cheesy pasta dish.
Coconut Milk
I prefer to use coconut milk for our creamy ranch dressing pasta sauce, but any milk will do. Coconut milk is a good option if you are looking to lower your dairy intake or avoiding dairy at all. This is an example of a delicious dairy-free dish that nobody would know is dairy-free!
Some people use cream cheese in their pasta sauce, but I prefer our homemade dressing. I find it creates the perfect Instant Pot creamy chicken pasta and the best creamy sauce.
If you are a coconut fan, you should try out our Gluten-Free Orange Chicken with Coconut Rice recipe. I love how sweet this recipe is, while also being healthy!
Bacon Bits
For this recipe, I recommend using REAL bacon bits. I find that it really takes this recipe to the next level. Trust me, it's worth the effort. For the perfect bacon every time, check out our Instant Pot Bacon recipe.
How to make it
- Add the pasta and water to the Instant Pot and cook on manual mode for 3 minutes then quick release
- Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients together in a small bowl
- Rinse the pasta in cold water and return to pot
- Add chicken, bacon, peas and dressing to pasta in the pot and stir to coat an even layer
Yes, but it will obviously take longer to cook. We love this Instant Pot recipe because it is so quick and easy to make. Plus, I have definitely forgotten to put a meal in the slow cooker before leaving for the day, so an Instant Pot is great for a last minute dinner.
A quick release is when you switch the pressure valve to the "venting" position after the timer goes off. There is a strong burst of steam when you do this, so please be careful! Natural release is when you leave the release switch at the "sealing position" when the timer goes off. The pressure releases slowly, but some ingredients may get overcooked. Pay attention to what the recipe calls for and you will be good to go!
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before doing anything. Then, dish into an airtight container or a bowl and place plastic wrap on top. Put in the refrigerator and eat within 3-4 days.
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Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Ranch
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (we use gluten-free)
- 12.5 ounces canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup REAL bacon bits (I like making them homemade)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Creamy Ranch Dressing
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk (any other milk works as well)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon basil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the pasta and water to the Instant Pot and cook on manual mode for 3 minutes then quick release
- Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients together in a small bowl
- Rinse the pasta in cold water and return to pot
- Add chicken, bacon, peas and dressing to pasta in the pot and stir to coat
Wren says
Oh…my…goodness…this is so good. I love how easy it is and I love how tasty it is!! I am obsessed. I’m going to share this with everyone I know.