Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Name: Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb uncooked spaghetti; 4 cups water; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt, divided; 1/2 tsp pepper, divided; 1 tsp garlic powder, divided; 1 tsp onion powder, divided; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, divided; 1/4 cup honey BBQ sauce; 14 oz diced tomatoes; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

By:

Alejandro

Published:

September 24, 2025

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Creating a hearty meal can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti, everything comes together seamlessly. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken combined with creamy, cheesy spaghetti, all cooked in one pot. It’s comfort food that fits in perfectly with your busy life. The pressure cooking method locks in flavors and moisture, ensuring the chicken stays moist and the spaghetti cooks to perfection. Add honey BBQ sauce, a splash of heavy cream, and a handful of cheese, and you’ve got a dish that satisfies on multiple levels. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe will definitely be a hit.

Why This Recipe Works

Creating a hearty meal can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti, everything comes together seamlessly. The pressure cooking method locks in flavors and moisture, ensuring that the chicken is tender while the spaghetti cooks perfectly beneath. The combination of honey BBQ sauce, heavy cream, and cheese guarantees a rich, creamy dish that satisfies on multiple levels.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti

This recipe is a one-pot wonder that embodies comfort food at its finest. It combines the familiar taste of spaghetti with the zing of BBQ chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or a cozy dinner night. Plus, it’s quick and easy—ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1/2 lb uncooked spaghetti
4 cups water
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp pepper, divided
1 tsp garlic powder, divided
1 tsp onion powder, divided
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, divided
1/4 cup honey BBQ sauce
14 oz diced tomatoes
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing Your Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Arrange the Spaghetti

Place the uncooked spaghetti into your Instant Pot, arranging it in a criss-cross pattern. This method not only helps prevent sticking but also ensures even cooking.

Add Water

Pour in the 4 cups of water over the spaghetti, making sure it’s covered completely.

Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Set Up for Cooking

Using a trivet, place the seasoned chicken above the spaghetti in the pot. This keeps the chicken from sitting directly in the water. Secure the lid and set the pressure to high for 6 minutes. Cooking under pressure allows all the flavors to merge beautifully.

Natural Pressure Release

After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, which helps retain moisture in the chicken. After that, do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Prepare the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken and brush it with honey BBQ sauce. Cut the chicken into small chunks and set it aside. The sweet and tangy sauce adds a delightful twist.

Drain the Pasta

Strain the spaghetti, and while still in the strainer, add the diced tomatoes. This allows the tomato juice to drain alongside the pasta, ensuring that your dish isn’t watery.

Create the Sauce

In the empty Instant Pot, pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Next, add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning. Mix well to create a rich base for your sauce.

Sauté the Mixture

Activate the sauté function on high. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring together until melted. The cream and cheese work together to create a luscious sauce that will coat your spaghetti.

Thicken the Sauce

Allow the mixture to cook for about 3 minutes. Add the remaining cup of cheese, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce beautifully.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the strained spaghetti and diced tomatoes to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is adequately coated with the sauce. This is the moment when it all comes together!

Add Chicken and Serve

Finally, add the BBQ chicken chunks to the mixture. Toss gently to combine. Serve this rich and creamy dish while hot—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning for optimal flavor.
Don’t skip the natural pressure release step; it helps retain moisture in the chicken.
Stir the cheese sauce frequently to avoid sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Variations

Substitute the BBQ sauce with a spicy sauce for a kick.
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version.
Use gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the consistency.

Pairing Ideas

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Consider a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The combination of BBQ and cheese makes it very appealing to kids.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream and cheeses with almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

4. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
This recipe can be adapted for stovetop cooking; just adjust the time for each component accordingly.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce to spice things up.

Crafting this Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti will deliver a meal that’s satisfying and deliciously comforting. Its creamy texture and zesty flavor make it a dish you’ll crave time and again. The beauty of this quick recipe lies in its endless adaptability, perfect for adding your personal touch while remaining effortlessly simple. Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends; there’s no doubt it will become a staple in your household!