If you are looking for a comforting yet impressive dinner that comes together in a snap, this Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken pieces, savory ham, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey Swiss cheese, all perfectly cooked with pasta in the Instant Pot, this dish captures the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with a delightfully easy twist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests on a busy weeknight, this recipe brings just the right balance of richness and convenience without sacrificing any taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and hearty satisfaction in this Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe. From tender chicken and salty ham to the luscious Alfredo sauce and Swiss cheese, every component makes the dish shine.
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into bite sized pieces): Using bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking in the Instant Pot and perfect bites every time.
- 1 lb dry pasta (penne or bow tie preferred): These pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully and provide a wonderful texture contrast.
- 1 cup water: Helps cook the pasta and chicken evenly while keeping everything moist.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and savory richness to the pasta cooking liquid for extra flavor boost.
- One jar of Alfredo sauce (14.5 oz): This creamy sauce is key to imparting that indulgent cordon bleu taste.
- 8 oz Swiss cheese (shredded): Melts into a gooey layer of cheesy goodness that ties the whole dish together.
- 8 oz sliced deli ham: Adds a smoky, salty edge reminiscent of classic cordon bleu ham slices.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses an aromatic hint that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp dried minced onion: Offers subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle touch of spice to balance the richness.
- Garnish options: parsley and parmesan cheese: Fresh herbs and parm add a lovely contrast and finishing touch.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Combine Main Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Start by adding the water, chicken broth, bite-sized chicken pieces, and dry pasta to your Instant Pot. This is where the magic begins as these ingredients cook together, allowing the pasta to absorb all the savory chicken broth flavors while the chicken cooks perfectly tender. No need to pre-cook anything – the Instant Pot handles it all in one pot.
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. This short cooking time ensures the pasta and chicken become tender without overcooking. Quick release the pressure when the timer goes off to avoid mushy pasta. If you notice more than a cup of liquid remaining, go ahead and drain it to keep the sauce from becoming watery later.
Step 3: Switch to Sauté Mode to Melt Everything Together
Now it’s time to bring everything home by turning on the sauté function. This step helps melt the cheeses and thicken the sauce while melding all the flavors into a luscious, creamy finish. The Instant Pot’s sauté setting is perfect for this final touch.
Step 4: Add the Sauce, Cheese, Ham, and Seasonings
Stir in the creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped ham, garlic powder, dried minced onion, kosher salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring gently until the Swiss cheese melts completely and everything is combined into a dreamy, cheesy pasta mixture. It’s where the Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe really shines, transforming simple ingredients into a showstopper.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your cooking is done, and it’s time to plate up! This rich, creamy chicken cordon bleu pasta is best served hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to add a bright, cheesy finish that everyone will appreciate.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish goes a long way. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a slight herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A dusting of grated parmesan cheese adds another layer of savory flavor and visual appeal. These simple garnishes elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite rich on its own, so pairing it with lighter, crisp sides works wonderfully. Consider a bright mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or even some crusty garlic bread to sop up every last delicious drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe in individual bowls topped with a parsley sprig and a parmesan fan for an elegant touch. Alternatively, bake the pasta briefly with extra Swiss cheese on top until golden and bubbly to create a delightful pasta bake. No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, so you might find that the flavors intensify overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor integrity. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to evenly heat through. You might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or bow tie pasta work great because they hold sauce well, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is it necessary to use deli ham, or can I substitute it?
Deli ham provides that signature cordon bleu flavor, but if you prefer, cooked bacon or prosciutto can be delicious alternatives that add a smoky, savory note.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and a vegan cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different, but it can still be tasty!
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Can I make this on the stove?
You can, but the process will take longer and require more attention. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine with the sauce and cheese on the stove to melt everything together.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding peas, spinach, or mushrooms during the sauté step is a great way to sneak in some veggies and complement the creamy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe has become a go-to meal for those busy nights when you want something hearty, creamy, and fuss-free. The beautiful marriage of chicken, ham, and gooey cheese all cooked seamlessly in the Instant Pot is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite twists; it’s comfort food elevated in every way!
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a rich Alfredo sauce mixed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and hearty dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
- 8 oz sliced deli ham
- One jar of Alfredo sauce (14.5 oz)
Dry Goods
- 1 lb dry pasta (penne or bow tie)
Liquids
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish Options
- Parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water and 3 cups of chicken broth into the instant pot. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and dry pasta, spreading them evenly inside.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the instant pot to manual mode on high pressure for 5 minutes. When cooking is complete, perform a quick release to release the steam. If there’s more than 1 cup of excess liquid remaining, carefully drain it out.
- Sauté to Melt Cheese: Turn the instant pot to the sauté setting to help melt the cheeses and thicken the sauce slightly, stirring gently.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add shredded Swiss cheese, Alfredo sauce, sliced ham, garlic powder, minced onion, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the Swiss cheese has fully melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Dish out the creamy pasta and chicken mixture onto serving plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use penne or bow tie pasta for best texture; other short pasta shapes may work similarly.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid slightly or cook a minute longer before adding cheese.
- To add a little extra flavor, consider tossing in some fresh herbs such as thyme or basil when sautéing.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
