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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

    Published: Feb 1, 2019 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 20 Comments

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    A simple and tasty Instant Pot dinner that includes Ranch seasoned chicken, tender noodles, and bacon combined in a creamy sauce!

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    I know “Crack Chicken” is not the most enticing title, but one bite into this dish and you’ll think otherwise! Using my slow cooker, I have made Crack Chicken before and loved it. I serve it on sandwiches, in wraps, over salads, or by itself. Anytime I make it, my family goes crazy!

    Well, using some of the same ingredients, this is now the Instant Pot version, and includes pasta for an all in one dinner!

    Only taking 4 minutes to cook, it came together in no time! Best part was how much it made, so we get to enjoy it for another meal over the weekend!

    The pasta was cooked perfectly, the seasoned chicken was incredible, and the cream sauce was Heavenly. Adding in some crumbled bacon just made everything that much better because come on, bacon is life, haha!

    I served some bread and a veggie with this, but you can serve a side salad or fruit as an alternative!

    There is nothing better than a dinner that cooks itself, right?! Toss the ingredients in, set the time, get a few things done, and dinner is ready!

    Clean up is a breeze due to this being made in one pot. Toss it into the dishwasher and call it a night!

    If you’re having company over or bringing dinner to friends/family, this is a great option due to how much it makes! Or, enjoy it now and freeze the leftovers for a later date!

    Enjoy!

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     Instant Pot: https://amzn.to/2D5orFF

    Non Stick Inner Pot for IP: https://amzn.to/2Bd5GQQ

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    Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

    Recipe by: Kristin
    A simple and tasty Instant Pot dinner that includes Ranch seasoned chicken, tender noodles, and bacon combined in a creamy sauce!
    5 from 9 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 minutes mins
    Total Time 14 minutes mins
    Servings 8

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless/skinless, diced
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 oz Ranch seasoning mix
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 lb Penne pasta, or pasta of choice
    • ½ cup bacon, cooked/crumbled
    • 8 oz cream cheese
    • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

    Instructions
     

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add in the olive oil, chicken, and Ranch.
    • Toss to coat chicken thoroughly and allow to cook for about 4 minutes, or until chicken is just about cooked through.
    • Add in the chicken broth, water, and Pasta.
    • Turn saute function off and place lid securely on top. Ensure valve is to sealing position.
    • Cook manual, high pressure, for 4 minutes.
    • Once 4 minutes is up, do a quick release.
    • Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
    • Allow to sit for about 2 minutes, or until cheese has melted.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Recipe adapted from: Plain Chicken
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

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    Comments

    1. Julia Constable says

      January 10, 2021 at 4:12 am

      Hi do timings stay same If you halve recipe

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 11, 2021 at 10:06 am

        Hi!! Yep, when doubling a recipe, keep the timing the same, just double ingredients! Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Katie R says

      December 10, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      This was so delicious! Hit with my entire family! I also added broccoli as others did and just amazing!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        December 11, 2020 at 10:02 am

        Yay! So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    3. Susan says

      November 09, 2020 at 4:55 pm

      Would I need to adjust anything to double this recipe?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 10, 2020 at 8:36 am

        Nope, if doubling, just the ingredient amounts change, not the time! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Brett says

      November 06, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      What’s the best way to reheat the left overs? Does the fat in the cheese separate when you reheat?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 07, 2020 at 3:44 pm

        I tend to use the microwave to reheat this as its a quick and easy method! Nope, nothing separates when reheating, simply reheat and give it a stir to evenly distribute the heat. Serve and enjoy!!

        Reply
    5. Chelsea Kari says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      My kids like pasta well done. I would like to add cook pasta at the end of the cook chicken and just mix. If I did that would I still add 3 cups of broth and 2 cups of water ? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 27, 2020 at 8:16 am

        You can always add an additional minute to the cook time to make the pasta well done? If you are adding already cooked pasta, you can eliminate the broth entirely as that is what cooks the pasta!

        Reply
    6. Donna says

      January 09, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Would tortellini work for the pasta?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 10, 2020 at 7:09 am

        If using tortellini, you would need to cut down the cook time as tortellini is typically a quick cooking pasta versus the al dente other pastas. I don’t know if it would do well in this due to potentially becoming mushy and falling apart. You could definitely give it a try and play around with cook times, but personally, I don’t think it would work! Great idea though as I am a tortellini fan!!

        Reply
    7. Ellen says

      October 03, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      If you wanted to add fresh mushrooms and frozen veggies, when would you add them?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 04, 2019 at 8:40 am

        You can go ahead and add it at the same time you add in the broth and pasta, prior to cooking for 4 minutes! Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Brittney says

      April 15, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      Can I leave the bacon out?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        April 15, 2019 at 4:27 pm

        Absolutely! No problem at all!

        Reply
    9. Peggy O'Malley says

      February 10, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      can I cook this in a dutch oven

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        February 11, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Absolutely! You may just want to cook the pasta separately and add in at the end!

        Reply
    10. Wendi Yonchiuk says

      February 03, 2019 at 2:08 pm

      Can I make the crack chicken pasta in a crockpot? If so what temp and for how long? Thanks

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        February 04, 2019 at 9:09 am

        Absolutely! Here is the slow cooker version, just add in some precooked pasta at the end!! https://thecookinchicks.com/crack-chicken/

        Reply
    5 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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