Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. Bursting with zesty lemon, succulent chicken, and a velvety sauce clinging to every pasta strand, this one-pot meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes. If you crave comfort food but want something brighter and lighter, this dish satisfies with its harmonious blend of comforting creaminess and refreshing citrus.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe ensures minimal cleanup, saves time, and is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Why This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Shines

The irresistible combination of tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious lemon cream sauce, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. The Instant Pot’s magic lies in its ability to lock in flavor and cook everything evenly—no separate pans needed. The lemon adds a brightness that balances the rich cream, creating a pasta that tastes both indulgent and uplifting.

Essential Prep: Prepping Chicken and Vegetables

For consistent, bite-sized pieces of chicken and perfectly diced vegetables, a quality chopper speeds up prep and ensures uniform cooking. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper slices, chops, and dices in seconds, saving precious minutes on busy nights. Simply cube your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice onions or any optional veggies for optimal flavor dispersion.

Instant Pot Cooking: Bringing It All Together

Using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart guarantees perfectly cooked pasta and chicken in a fraction of the usual time. Set it and forget it—no need to keep a watchful eye or stir constantly. The sealed environment ensures every ingredient melds seamlessly, resulting in a smooth, creamy sauce that doesn’t burn or separate.

Adding the cream and lemon juice after pressure cooking preserves their delicate flavors and achieves that signature silky finish. A quick stir, and your pasta is ready to serve.

Serving and Storing for Maximum Freshness

Ladle the creamy lemon chicken pasta into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color. For lunch the next day, pack your leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep everything fresh and mess-free. This makes meal prepping or on-the-go lunches a breeze.

Store any remaining pasta in airtight containers, such as the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5, to retain moisture and flavor, ensuring your meal tastes just as delicious later in the week.

Nutritional Information & Portions

This recipe typically serves four generous portions. Each serving contains approximately 450–500 calories, depending on your chosen cream and pasta. You’ll get a hearty serving of protein and a lively zing of vitamin C from the lemon—making it a balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.

Recap: The Creamiest, Zestiest One-Pot Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta offers a luxurious combination of creamy sauce, tangy citrus, and tender chicken—all made effortlessly in one pot. Whether for casual family dinners or special occasions, this recipe impresses with both flavor and convenience.

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then sauté onion until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add diced chicken (easily prepared with a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper). Season with salt and pepper. Brown lightly, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes.
3. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and half of the lemon zest (reserve some for serving). Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
4. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 5 minutes. Allow a quick release when finished.
5. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and spinach or peas (if using). Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon as needed.
6. Serve garnished with extra parsley and reserved lemon zest. For lunch portability, transfer to a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl or store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy a creamy, citrusy pasta that comes together effortlessly—perfect for any night of the week!