Instant Pot Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta

4.96 from 23 votes

Instant Pot Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta

This Instant Pot Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta has a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses melted in a creamy cream cheese broth and served with crispy chopped bacon.

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time19

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken pasta, easy dinner, instant pot, jalapeno popper, penne, pressure cooker

Servings: servings

Calories: 398kcal

Author: Dana

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup shredded chicken
6 slices bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 jalapenos diced
1 small onion chopped
1 garlic clove minced
3 cups chicken broth
8 ounces penne pasta
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
6 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced scallions diced

Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to saute and add the olive oil. Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to cool. Crumble when ready.
Cook the onion, garlic, and jalapenos until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Discard all bacon grease except two tablespoons.
Deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping off the stuck-on bits. This will help prevent a "burn" notice from reading on the display.
Add the pasta into the pot in an even layer.
Add the shredded chicken on top of the pasta evenly.
Pour the three cups of chicken broth into the pot along with the salt.
Close the lid and pressure cook on HIGH/PRESSURE COOK for 4 minutes.
Carefully and slowly release the pressure and remove the lid.
Add the shredded cheese and the cream cheese.
Set the Instant Pot to saute and stir in the milk. Stir until all of the ingredients have melted. Press cancel.
Serve with the crispy bacon, sliced jalapenos, and scallions if desired.

Notes

To make the shredded chicken - add the chicken breasts to the inner liner and add ¼ cup of water. Pressure cook on HIGH PRESSURE/MANUAL for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Remove from the pot and shred.

You can transfer this Instant Pot Chicken Popper Chicken Pasta to an oven-safe dish and place it under the broiler to make a crust on the pasta dish if desired. Alternately, use the air fryer lid if you have one for the Instant Pot.

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