If you love creamy pasta dinners but want something easy and reliable, this Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti is a recipe you will keep coming back to. The chicken cooks first in a flavorful broth, then the spaghetti is added later so it cooks perfectly without turning mushy.
This method is simple and almost fool proof. The chicken turns tender, the pasta cooks just right, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together into a comforting meal that tastes like something you would get from a popular food blog or family cookbook.
It is a great dinner for busy nights because everything still happens in one pot, but the pasta texture stays perfect.
Why This Method Works
Many Instant Pot pasta recipes cook everything together, but spaghetti can sometimes clump or overcook. However, in this version:
• Chicken cooks first and builds flavor
• Spaghetti is added later so it cooks evenly
• The sauce becomes creamy at the end
This small change makes the recipe much more reliable.
Ingredients
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- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped parsley (optional)
How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Close the lid and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Add the broken spaghetti to the pot and gently push it into the liquid.
Let it simmer on Sauté mode for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta does not stick.
Cook until the spaghetti is tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Add butter, cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until everything melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti
- Break the spaghetti in half so it fits easily in the pot.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
- You can also add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Close the lid and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow a 5 minute natural pressure release, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the broken spaghetti and gently push it into the liquid.
- Cook on Sauté mode for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender.
- Add butter, cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Break spaghetti in half so it fits easily in the pot.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor.
This Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, comforting, and very easy to make. Cooking the chicken first and adding the spaghetti later keeps the pasta from getting overcooked, which makes this version much more reliable.
It is a simple dinner that feels hearty and homemade, perfect for weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
