Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Ranch, Bacon, and Spinach Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and fresh spinach, it comes together quickly and easily in one pot.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
• 1 lb rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz block cream cheese
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour olive oil into the Instant Pot and select the SAUTE setting. Heat for 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken chunks and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in the Ranch dressing mix to coat the chicken well. Then add the rotini pasta on top of the chicken without stirring. Pour the chicken broth over the pasta gently.
4. Step 4: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to “SEALING”.
5. Step 5: Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “High Pressure” and cook for 4 minutes.
6. Step 6: When the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure valve.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh spinach until the cheese is melted and the spinach wilts.
8. Step 8: Serve the pasta immediately while warm and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder with the Ranch mix.
• You can swap the rotini for penne or macaroni pasta if you prefer.
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, or omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version.
• If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time on the Instant Pot to 8 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use a combination of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different but creamy texture. Add these after cooking, just as you would the cream cheese.

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Ranch, Bacon, and Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Instant Pot chicken pasta recipe combining tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and fresh spinach for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Flavoring

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 1 packet dry Ranch Dressing mix

Pasta and Liquids

• 1 lb rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth

Cheese and Vegetables

• 1 cup (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz block cream cheese
• 5 ounces baby fresh spinach

Toppings

• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions

1. Sauté Chicken: Pour olive oil into the Instant Pot and select the SAUTE function. Heat the oil for about 1 minute, then add the chicken chunks and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry Ranch Dressing mix over the sautéed chicken and stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasoning.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Spread the uncooked rotini pasta evenly over the top of the seasoned chicken without stirring. Carefully pour the low sodium chicken broth over the pasta, ensuring not to stir the pasta into the broth.
4. Seal Instant Pot: Place the Instant Pot lid securely on top and turn the valve to the “SEALING” position to prepare for pressure cooking.
5. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to Manual or High Pressure mode and cook for 4 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: When the cooking timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release by turning the pressure valve to release all steam and pressure.
7. Add Cheese, Bacon, and Spinach: Open the lid and immediately stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh spinach until the cheeses are fully melted and the spinach is slightly wilted.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, straight from the pot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

• Do not stir the pasta into the broth before cooking; layering allows even cooking under pressure.
• Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and keep the dish balanced.
• Feel free to substitute rotini with any similar short pasta like penne or fusilli.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Ranch seasoning.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Instant Pot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, pressure cooker pasta, quick chicken dinner, cheesy chicken pasta