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- 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup chicken broth - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions, sliced for garnish For this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta, the right ingredients make all the difference. First, you need 1 pound of chicken breast. Dice it into small pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Next, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. It gives flavor and helps brown the chicken. The star of this dish is 1 cup of buffalo sauce. You can use your favorite sauce, store-bought or homemade. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. These spices add a nice depth of flavor. Now, for the extra liquid, grab 1 cup of chicken broth. This helps cook the pasta and keeps everything moist. You will also need 8 ounces of penne pasta. This pasta shape holds the sauce well and gives a great bite. For the creamy texture, use 1 cup of cream cheese. Make sure it is softened for easy mixing. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for richness and flavor. If you like blue cheese, crumble 1/2 cup into the mix. It's optional but adds a nice zing. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. When serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top. This adds a fresh crunch and color to your dish. With these ingredients, you are ready to make a tasty meal that everyone will love! - Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. - Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. - Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the pot. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. - Sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes until it is browned on all sides. - Pour in 1 cup of buffalo sauce and stir well to coat the chicken. - Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the pot. - Next, add 8 ounces of penne pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. - Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. - Set the pot to cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. - When cooking is done, carefully perform a quick release of pressure. - Open the lid and stir in 1 cup of softened cream cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. - Then, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is fully mixed in. - If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor. - Taste your dish and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. To get the best flavor in your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta, use spices wisely. I like to mix garlic powder and onion powder with salt and pepper. This blend adds depth to the chicken. When browning the chicken, make sure to spread it out evenly in the pot. This helps each piece get good color. Don’t rush; let it brown for about five minutes. It creates a nice flavor base. Proper sealing is key to a great dish. Always check the valve on your Instant Pot. It should be set to sealing before cooking. This helps build up pressure for even cooking. When the time is up, you can choose between quick release or natural release. Quick release is faster but can be messy. Natural release takes longer, but it keeps flavors locked in. Choose what works best for you! {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese in this dish easily. Try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. It will give you a nice tang and cut some fat. If you love cheese, you can also use mozzarella. Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey texture that many enjoy. Mixing cheeses can create a fun flavor twist. Buffalo chicken pasta pairs well with sides. I like to serve it with garlic bread. The bread soaks up the sauce nicely. A fresh side salad is also great. It adds crunch and balances the dish. You can boost nutrition too. Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers right into the pasta. This adds color and vitamins. Plus, it makes the meal more filling and healthy. To store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Label the container with the date. Use a clear container, so you can see what’s inside. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic. This makes reheating easy and safe. If you want to freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Your pasta can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For reheating, use the microwave or stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. This helps keep the texture and flavor just right. How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta? It takes about 30 minutes total. This includes 10 minutes for prep and 5 minutes for cooking. The rest is for pressure build-up and release. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. What can I substitute for buffalo sauce? You can use barbecue sauce for a milder flavor. Hot sauce mixed with butter also works well. Adjust to your taste! What sides go well with Buffalo Chicken Pasta? Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Steamed veggies also make a great side dish. Consider a crunchy coleslaw for extra texture. Can I make this dish spicier or milder? Absolutely! Add more buffalo sauce for heat. For a milder dish, use less sauce or a milder brand. You can also add cream cheese to tone it down. This article covers how to make tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta using an Instant Pot. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions that make cooking easy. You also found helpful tips for flavor and storage. Remember, you can tweak the recipe with different cheeses or veggies. Enjoy making this dish, whether for dinner or meal prep. It's quick, simple, and packed with flavor. Dive in, and see how fun cooking can be!

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Make dinner a hit with this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, spicy dish that the whole family will love. Learn how to cook tender chicken with rich buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and hearty penne pasta all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delicious comfort food!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup chicken broth

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

    Pour in the buffalo sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly.

      Add the chicken broth and the penne pasta, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

        Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.

          Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure.

            Open the lid and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and creamy.

              Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated and creamy. If desired, fold in crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                  Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4