Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni

The rich, velvety sauce coating each perfectly cooked rigatoni tube and tender chunks of chicken creates a symphony of comfort in every bite of this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni. This restaurant-quality pasta dish transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special, yet comes together in a fraction of the time thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. The combination of aromatic herbs, savory chicken, and that irresistibly creamy sauce will have everyone at your table requesting seconds. You’ll learn how to create this impressive one-pot meal with minimal effort while achieving maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is about to become your new favorite go-to meal for countless reasons. First, it’s an incredible time-saver that delivers gourmet results in under 30 minutes of total cooking time – perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something substantial but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The texture contrasts are what make this dish truly special – the al dente rigatoni provides the perfect hollow tubes for capturing the silky, creamy sauce, while tender chunks of chicken offer satisfying protein in every bite. The sauce itself strikes that perfect balance between decadence and lightness, coating each pasta piece without becoming heavy or overwhelming.

Perhaps best of all, this pressure cooker chicken pasta creates minimal cleanup with its one-pot approach. The Instant Pot works its magic by infusing the pasta with flavors as it cooks, creating layers of depth you simply can’t achieve with traditional pasta cooking methods. Even pasta skeptics will be converted by this creamy chicken pasta delight.

Ingredients

For this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni, gather:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 ounces (340g) rigatoni pasta (about 4 cups)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken breasts should be fresh and high-quality for the best texture in your pressure cooker pasta. The rigatoni’s tubular shape is ideal for this recipe as it captures the creamy sauce perfectly, though penne can work as a substitute. For the creamiest result, use actual heavy cream rather than half-and-half or milk substitutes, as it provides the luxurious texture that makes this instant pot chicken pasta dish so special.

Pro Tips

Properly Sear the Chicken: The most common mistake when making Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is skipping the proper searing of the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pot and work in batches if necessary. This initial step creates that essential flavor foundation through caramelization that elevates the entire dish. A proper sear takes 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown – resist the urge to stir constantly!

Deglaze Like a Pro: After sautéing your aromatics, deglaze the pot thoroughly with a small portion of the chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. This not only prevents the dreaded “burn” notification on your Instant Pot but incorporates those concentrated flavors into your creamy chicken pasta sauce. Take at least 30 seconds to scrape thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

Perfect Pasta Timing: For ideal rigatoni texture, arrange your pasta in criss-crossing layers rather than dumping it in, and use exactly the recommended cooking time. Natural release for just 2 minutes followed by quick release gives you perfectly al dente pasta every time. Remember that the pasta continues cooking slightly in the residual heat after pressure is released, so err on the side of less cooking time if you prefer firmer pasta in your pressure cooker rigatoni.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Season the cubed chicken generously with salt and pepper. Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and add 2 tablespoons olive oil once hot. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches if needed) and sear until golden brown on most sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same Instant Pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The garlic should become aromatic but not browned, which would make it bitter.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Pasta
Pour about ½ cup of the chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This step is crucial to prevent a burn warning and captures all those flavorful bits. Add the browned chicken back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the remaining broth and give everything a quick stir.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Pressure Cook
Add the rigatoni to the pot, gently pushing it down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid but not stirring vigorously. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. The pasta will absorb the savory chicken flavors as it cooks to al dente perfection.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish
Once cooking is complete, allow a 2-minute natural pressure release, then carefully perform a quick release for the remaining pressure. Open the lid and switch to Sauté mode. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring until melted and incorporated. Your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni sauce will thicken slightly as it stands.

Step 6: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the pasta rest for 3-5 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and the flavors to fully meld. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean Instant Pot Rigatoni: Transform your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni with Mediterranean flair by adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup kalamata olives, and 1 cup fresh spinach after pressure cooking. Stir these in along with the heavy cream and cheese, allowing the residual heat to wilt the spinach. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of (or in addition to) the Parmesan for a tangy twist that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: For those who enjoy heat, create a Cajun-inspired version by replacing the Italian seasoning with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning and adding ½ pound sliced andouille sausage along with the chicken. After cooking, stir in a diced red bell pepper along with the cream for added color and flavor. This variation brings a delicious Southern twist to your pressure cooker pasta dinner while maintaining the creamy comfort of the original.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken entirely and substitute vegetable broth for a meatless alternative. After pressure cooking, stir in 2 cups of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms along with the cream and cheese. This creates a hearty vegetarian Creamy Vegetable Rigatoni that doesn’t sacrifice any of the rich, comforting qualities of the original dish.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel covering the dish, or gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

For an impressive dinner presentation, serve this creamy chicken pasta in warmed bowls topped with extra freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and torn basil leaves. Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the dish.

Transform this into a complete feast by accompanying it with garlic bread or warm focaccia for soaking up every last bit of the decadent sauce. For a special touch, add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes that burst with concentrated sweetness against the creamy pasta backdrop.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this Instant Pot pasta recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but skip the initial searing step. Add 2 minutes to the pressure cooking time and cut the chicken after cooking. The texture won’t be quite as good as with fresh chicken, but the dish will still be delicious.

Why did I get a burn notice on my Instant Pot?
This typically happens when there’s not enough liquid or when browned bits are stuck to the bottom. Always deglaze thoroughly after sautéing and ensure the pasta is mostly submerged but not stirred into the bottom where it can stick.

Can I substitute another pasta shape?
Yes, you can use penne, ziti, or other medium-sized pasta shapes. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta package directions (typically half the stovetop cooking time plus 1 minute).

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni sauce is too thin, simmer on Sauté mode for a few extra minutes, or make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of al dente pasta, tender chicken morsels, and a velvety sauce that coats every bite with indulgent flavor. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, yet requires minimal effort thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or hosting friends for dinner, this creamy chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen, proving that impressive meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

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