Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Instant Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick to make, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Tender chicken, pasta, and a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce come together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Thanks to the Instant Pot, the pasta cooks perfectly in the flavorful broth while the chicken stays juicy and tender. Finished with melted cheese and a sprinkle of herbs, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. It’s comforting yet bold, delivering the flavors of ranch dressing in a warm, cozy pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Instant Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta – Quick, Comforting, and Flavor-Packed
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and comforting pasta dish made in the Instant Pot with tender chicken, creamy ranch-flavored sauce, and cheesy pasta for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta (or rotini)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil and cook chicken cubes until lightly browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Turn off sauté mode.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken. Add pasta and pour chicken broth over the top. Do not stir.
- Seal lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release when done.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Adjust seasoning with pepper and garnish with parsley.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add cooked bacon or steamed broccoli for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Tender, juicy protein that cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot.
Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken to enhance flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix – The star flavor, giving the dish its zesty kick.
Garlic – Adds savory depth to the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth – Provides the cooking liquid for pasta and infuses extra flavor.
Heavy cream or half-and-half – Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
Cream cheese – Makes the sauce extra creamy and tangy.
Pasta (penne or rotini) – Holds the sauce beautifully and cooks directly in the Instant Pot.
Cheddar cheese – Melty, sharp cheese that balances the creaminess.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Fresh parsley or green onions – For garnish and freshness.
Directions
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Add garlic to the pot and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and stir in ranch seasoning. Add pasta and stir to ensure it’s submerged. Place the chicken on top of the pasta.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release. Remove the chicken, shred or cube it, and return it to the pot.
Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with extra ranch mix, salt, or pepper if needed. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and cooking requires 15 minutes (including pressure build-up and release). Total time: about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish does not freeze well, as cream sauces can separate when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Ranch Pasta – Stir in crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
Buffalo Ranch Pasta – Add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggie Boost – Toss in spinach, broccoli, or peas after cooking for added nutrition.
Tex-Mex Style – Add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
Lighter Version – Use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade – Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
One-Pot Classic – Skip the chicken and make it as a creamy ranch mac and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cook time to 10 minutes.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni cooks evenly in the Instant Pot.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?
No, the liquid balance may change—stick with the dry seasoning mix.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No, it cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot with the broth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of quick cooking and big flavor. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce, it’s a comforting, satisfying meal the whole family will love. Easy to prepare, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and will quickly become a household favorite.