Our family enjoys eating out, but we enjoy saving money even more. Chicken carbonara is one of those rich, comforting pasta dinners that always feels special, so I wanted to make an easier homemade version that could be prepared without a restaurant bill.
This one pot Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara is creamy, hearty, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, bow tie pasta, peas, Parmesan cheese, and a smooth cream sauce in one electric pressure cooker.
If your family loves creamy pasta recipes, this Instant Pot chicken carbonara is a great option to keep in your meal rotation. It is filling, flavorful, and made with familiar ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Recipe
This homemade copycat-style chicken carbonara is inspired by the creamy restaurant pasta many people love, but it is designed to be easier to make at home. The Instant Pot helps keep the process simple because the chicken and pasta cook in the same pot, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup after dinner.
The combination of pasta, chicken, bacon, peas, cream, and Parmesan creates a rich and satisfying meal. The bacon adds smoky flavor, the peas add color and a little sweetness, and the Parmesan helps bring the creamy sauce together. Bow tie pasta works especially well because it holds the sauce nicely and gives the dish a classic, family-friendly feel.
Cooking at home is also convenient when you want a comforting dinner without packing everyone into the car or waiting for a table. This recipe gives you the flavor of a creamy chicken and bacon pasta dinner while letting you control the ingredients and prepare everything in your own kitchen.
A 6 quart Instant Pot works well for this recipe. Since the sauce is finished right in the pot after pressure cooking, there is no need to make a separate cream sauce on the stove. Add the dairy ingredients after the pressure cooking step so the cream and cheese stay smooth and the peas heat through without becoming mushy.
How to Make Chicken Carbonara in an Electric Pressure Cooker
- Toss the chicken pieces in flour until lightly coated, then set them aside.
- Turn on the saute setting on the Instant Pot. Add the butter and vegetable oil. When the fats are hot, add the minced garlic and the floured chicken pieces.
- Cook the chicken until the outside is browned. If needed, cook the chicken in batches and add a little more butter or oil as necessary.
- Return all cooked chicken to the Instant Pot.
- Place the uncooked bow tie pasta on top of the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the pasta. Add the liquid last and do not stir.
- Lock the lid in place and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. When the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 8 minutes.
- Stir the contents of the pot. Add the heavy whipping cream, Parmesan cheese, frozen peas, and cooked crumbled bacon. Stir until creamy. Garnish with extra bacon and Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Carbonara
- For quicker cooking, use enough chicken to cover the bottom of the Instant Pot in a single layer. If your pot is crowded, cook the chicken in batches.
- Jarred minced garlic is a convenient shortcut, but fresh minced garlic also works well.
- Follow proper food safety guidelines when handling chicken and dairy ingredients.
- Add the frozen peas, heavy whipping cream, and Parmesan cheese only after pressure cooking is complete. The hot pasta mixture will warm them quickly.
- Use a natural pressure release for at least 8 minutes to help keep the chicken tender.
- If dinner is not ready to be served immediately, place the lid back on the pressure cooker and use the keep warm setting for up to 30 minutes.
- Because pressure cookers can vary, test the timing in your own appliance and make small adjustments if needed.
Other Easy Instant Pot Recipe Ideas
- Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe
- Old Fashioned Sausage, Potatoes and Green Beans in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Pork Chops with Sauerkraut, Apples and Bacon
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara
Equipment
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Instant Pot
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Garlic mincer
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Grater
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 – 4 chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 6 – 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
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Coat the chicken pieces evenly with flour.
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Set the Instant Pot to saute. Add the butter and vegetable oil. Once hot, add the garlic and floured chicken.
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Cook the chicken, working in batches if needed and adding more butter or oil if necessary.
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Return the cooked chicken to the Instant Pot. Add the pasta on top, then pour the chicken broth over the pasta. Do not stir.
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Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 8 minutes.
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Stir well, then add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, peas, and crumbled bacon. Serve warm with extra bacon or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Cooking the chicken in a single layer is fastest, but batches may be necessary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Fresh garlic or jarred minced garlic may be used.
- Add the cream, cheese, peas, and bacon after pressure cooking for the best texture.
- Natural release helps keep the chicken more tender than a quick release.
- Cooking appliances vary, so adjust timing as needed for your Instant Pot.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 83g
Fat: 73g
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and products used.
