Try out this olive garden chicken alfredo and pasta recipe made in the instant pot. It is super creamy, tart and easy! All it takes is 6 ingredients and 6 minutes to make!
Here we go again with another TikTok trend! This pasta dish was creamy, tangy and SO filling. I definitely got my points worth from this meal. Sometimes I have to get out of my mindset of ‘that’s too many points for one meal’. But I was SO satisfied and still had 13 other points left for the entire day. Plus, I saved 40 points eating my version instead of the restaurant’s (not including those incredible breadsticks, ya know).
I absolutely love instant pot recipes. They are so easy and clean up in minimal. If you like them too, some of my most popular ones are my penne alla vodka, chicken Alfredo, or Birria tacos.
Olive Garden Alfredo
This Olive Garden chicken pasta recipe is a take on a viral TikTok video, made in the instant pot. It uses Olive Garden dressing, which gives you the name of the recipe. But, it also combines elements of a classic alfredo recipe. Tie both of those together, and you have this creamy, yet tart, Olive Garden chicken alfredo pasta recipe!
Ingredients
First things first is an instant pot of course. I use the original instant pot brand and I love using the non-stick bowl insert easy clean up; however, you do not have to. Alternatively, there are many brands of pressure cookers you can try; however, I have not.
Then, all you need are these 6 ingredients.
Chicken - I typically make this recipe with chicken breast; however, tenderloins were on sale and they are easier to cut. But, you can really use any cut of chicken for this dish as they will be chopped up into bite-sized pieces anyways. Tenderloins are great because they are, well, tender.
Pasta - Any type of pasta will really work for this Olive Garden chicken alfredo pasta. I prefer a short pasta, such as rotini or penne. I did use gluten free pasta; however, you can use regular pasta. This recipe will be for regular pasta; however, if you do choose gluten free pasta, add a minute to your cooking time. If you pick a smaller noodle, such as elbow noodles, it will cook it less time. Therefore, I suggest chopping up the chicken smaller.
Olive Garden Italian Dressing - This comes in light or regular. I use light, you know, to lighten it up; however, you can use the regular kind.
Broth - This is to help add more liquid to the dish, without adding to much dressing. You need this liquid to allow the pasta to cook. I use low sodium chicken broth; however, really any broth, or water, will work.
Parmesan Cheese and Cream Cheese - These will help cut through the tartness of the Olive Garden Italian dressing while also making the dish rich and creamy. I do use reduced fat versions; however, you can use the regular kind.
How to Make Instant Pot Olive Garden Alfredo
Cut chicken up into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch by 1 inch. Then, set aside.
Place the pasta noodles (dry) into the Instant Pot. Pour the dressing then the broth around the pasta.
Add the cut up chicken on top of the pasta then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
Chop cream cheese up into 6 pieces and place on top of the chicken / cheese.
Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 5 minutes and start it (set to 6 if you like the pasta softer or for gluten free noodles).
When the time is up let the pot sit for 3 minutes and then move the valve to venting. Remove the lid.
Mix together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I Make This Without Pasta
Of course you can make this without pasta. Just leave the pasta out of the recipe and only use ½ cup of broth. I love to put the chicken in whole and shred it after it is cooked.
Sides to Pair With Olive Garden Alfredo
How to Store Leftovers
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What to Add to This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
I have one word. And that one word is BACON. This recipe is amazing with some added bacon. If you want to go the healthier route, it is great with some broccoli as well.
Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Try out this olive garden chicken alfredo and pasta recipe made in the instant pot. It is super creamy, tart and easy! All it takes is 6 ingredients and 6 minutes to make!
Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 ounces pasta dry
- 16 ounces chicken breast
- 1 cup light Olive Garden Italian dressing
- ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
- â…› cup reduced fat parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces â…“ less fat cream cheese
Instructions
- Cut chicken up into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch by 1 inch, set aside
- Place the pasta noodles (dry) into the Instapot. Pour the dressing then the broth around the pasta
- Add the chicken on top of the pasta then sprinkle with the Parmesan
- Chop cream cheese up into 6 pieces and place on top of the chicken / cheese
- Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 5 minutes and start it (set to 6 if you like the pasta softer)
- When the time is up let the pot sit for 3 minutes and then move the valve to venting. Remove the lid
- Mix together and season with salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition
How many WW points is this now?! Click on the link below and it will take you to the recipe I made within your own WW app. Your specific points will be calculated, and you can track that.
Kathleen says
Hi! Can you make this in a crockpot or stove top instead if you don’t have an instapot? Do you know what the cooking time or process would be? Thanks so much!
Jo says
I’ve always loved Alfredo. Can’t wait to try this recipe.