Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Creamy & Quick
Introduction
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the answer when you want a seriously flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This creamy, garlicky dish comes together in a snap, thanks to the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot. The perfectly cooked chicken absorbs a rich, cheesy sauce that’s guaranteed to win over the whole family. With minimal prep and effortless cleanup, it’s the ultimate crowd pleaser for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy, Quick Garlic Parmesan Chicken
What makes this recipe special is the luxurious, velvety Parmesan sauce infused with heaps of garlic – yet everything cooks together in one pot in under 30 minutes. Each bite is juicy, savory, and layered with flavor, making it just as fitting for a cozy weeknight meal as it is for entertaining friends. Serve it over pasta, rice, or steamed veggies for a hassle-free meal everyone will love.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
– Chopped parsley, for garnish
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate a perfectly organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—ideal for quick, efficient grocery runs and stress-free meal planning.

Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and diced onion; cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place in the Instant Pot and brown each side for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
- Secure the lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on high for 7 minutes. Once finished, allow a 5-minute natural release, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Add cream, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese to the Instant Pot; whisk until the sauce is smooth and cheese is fully melted. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl, add to the sauce, and simmer on Sauté for an extra 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slice or shred chicken and return to the pot, tossing gently to coat with sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
How to Serve for Maximum Flavor
– Ladle the creamy chicken and sauce over al dente pasta, rice, or cauliflower mash.
– Pair with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or crisp green beans for a complete meal.
– If you love a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes when serving.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving contains an estimated 420–480 calories, depending on cream and cheese quantity. For an even lighter meal, use half-and-half or reduced-fat cream.
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Quick Recap
Creamy, savory sauce envelops tender Instant Pot chicken, making this a one-pot dinner that maximizes flavor and minimizes effort. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking rich taste with minimal fuss.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for batch cooking and weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to easily plan your week’s meals. Let CookifyAI automatically generate a unified shopping list and consolidate ingredients across all your recipes.
Planning Benefits:
- Combines ingredients for all planned meals—no more repeat buys
- Groups items by grocery section for lightning-fast shopping
- Keeps your weekly meal plan organized and effortless
- Reduces food waste by purchasing only what you need
Pro tip: If you’re incorporating other chicken or creamy recipes this week, schedule everything together and CookifyAI will calculate your total protein, dairy, and produce needs—saving you time and money.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Make weeknight dinners effortless with this creamy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken—it’s the quick, flavor-packed comfort food you’ll make on repeat!