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    Home » Recipes

    Published: Aug 11, 2022 ·Updated: Dec 1, 2022 by Sabra · Leave a Comment

    Instant Pot Alfredo

    Jump to Recipe Rate this Recipe
    penne in Alfredo sauce with text overaly

    This easy Instant Pot Alfredo is cooked all in one pot and ready in minutes making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. With the classic flavor combination of butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese this recipe is sure to please!

    a plate full of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce and fresh parsley

    This Mom's Menu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links but all opinions are my own. I may earn money from purchases made through the links shared here (at no additional cost to you)

    Back-to-school season is here which means it's time to pull out all of the quick, last-minute meals. This Alfredo is one of my go-to suppers. It can be served as it is, or you can add in some cooked chicken and broccoli for a more well-rounded meal.

    This was inspired by my recipe for instant pot mac and cheese, and pairs well with this homemade cheesy garlic bread. Of course, and simple salad also is another great side dish option and also helps to lighten up an otherwise heavy meal.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • Top tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Pin It
    • 💬 Reviews

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Even though the cooking method is anything but traditional, the ingredients for this Instant Pot Alfredo are all the usual suspects.

    ingredients for instant pot Alfredo including pasta, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
    • Minced Garlic or garlic powder
    • Pasta (penne, rotini, Shells, bow-tie, ziti, or rigatoni all work well)
    • Butter
    • Water
    • Salt and pepper
    • Heavy Cream - for a lighter option you can swap some or all of the heavy cream with half and half or milk.
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Equipment

    The only special equipment that you will need for this recipe is an instant pot. You can use other brands of electric pressure cookers but you may have to change the cooking times and/or method.

    I use an instant pot pro plus (affiliate) which I LOVE. I like that I can set the steam release method at the beginning of the cooking process and I can start the instant pot cooking time from my phone which is especially nice for foods that need to cook for a long time.

    Instructions

    This recipe is the perfect example of a 'set-it-and-forget-it' meal.

    pasta, water, butter, salt, and garlic in an instant pot for homemade Alfredo.

    Add the garlic, pasta, water, and salt to your instant pot.

    cooked pasta in an instant pot being stirred with a wooden spoon.

    Place the lid on the instant pot and set the valve to "sealing" Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release to prevent the pasta from overcooking. When the pin drops, remove the lid and gently stir the pasta.

    There are slight variations between different Instant Pot models. I have included instructions for the most common model, but if you are unsure how to operate your Instant Pot, then you can find your owner's manual here!

    parmesan cheese being stirred into pasta in an instant pot

    Add the heavy cream, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.

    Homemade pasta and Alfredo in an instant pot, garnished with chopped parsley

    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired and enjoy!

    Tip: Occasionally foam and butter can come from the vent when the pressure is released from the instant pot. Many people suggest placing a towel over the vent to reduce the mess, but Instant Pot advises against this. Instead, switch from a quick release to an intermittent release where you release the steam for a few seconds, then seal again. Repeat until the pin drops.

    Variations

    Here are some of my favorite ways to change up this recipe:

    • Add chicken - stir in cooked and diced chicken when you add the cheese. Be sure to check out my recipe for crock-pot shredded chicken, which is a meal prep staple!
    • Add veggies - Many vegetables will go well with alfredo. Stir in frozen peas or sliced cherry tomatoes with the pasta in step 1. Add steamed broccoli, or raw fresh spinach when stirring in the cheese.
    • Low carb - Swap traditional pasta for low-carb pasta from Great Low Carb Bread Co. Other low-carb pasta may work, but I have only tried it with this brand so if you use another then proceed with caution.

    See this Baked Chicken Alfredo Casserole or Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Soup on my website for some other great Alfredo option!

    A plate full of penne pasta with Alfredo sauce

    Storage

    Store leftover Alfredo in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

    Tip: If you find that your pasta is dry when reheating, try adding a couple of teaspoons of cream or milk and some additional grated parmesan cheese.

    FAQs

    Can you use heavy cream in an instant pot?

    Yes, you can, but it must be mixed with some other liquid or it will burn. For this reason, I prefer to simply stir it in at the end.

    How do you cook pasta in the instant pot?

    Make sure that the pasta is covered with about ½-1" of water. Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. When the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release. Cooking time may vary slightly depending upon the variety of pasta used.

    What spices go best with alfredo?

    Garlic, Black Pepper, and Italian parsley are most commonly used in Alfredo. Many people also like to add in a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg.

    How do you make chicken alfredo creamy again?

    If you find that your Alfredo had dried out some, simply add in a bit of milk or cream and/or butter until it reaches the desired consistency.

    Top tips

    • If foam is spurting from the vent when the pressure is released from the instant pot. If this happens, switch from a quick release to an intermittent release where you release the pressure in intervals.
    • If you find that your pressure is dry when reheating leftovers, add a bit of heavy cream or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

    📖 Recipe

    A plate full of penne pasta with Alfredo sauce

    Instant Pot Alfredo

    Sabra - This Mom's Menu
    This easy Instant Pot Alfredo is cooked all in one pot and ready in minutes making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. With the classic flavor combination of butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese this recipe is sure to please!
    5 from 2 reviewers
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 6 Servings
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins

    Equipment

    • Instant pot
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cloves Garlic minced
    • 16 oz Pasta penne, rotini, Shells, bow-tie, ziti, or rigatoni all work well!
    • 4 tablespoon Butter
    • 4 cups Water
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 cup Heavy Cream
    • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 8 oz Parmesan Cheese grated
    • Fresh Parsley chopped, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Add the garlic, pasta, butter, water, and salt to the instant pot.
      16 oz Pasta, 4 tablespoon Butter, 4 cups Water, 1 teaspoon Salt, 3 cloves Garlic
    • Place the lid on the instant pot and set the valve to "sealing" Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release to prevent the pasta from overcooking.
      For most models, press the manual button, then use the + or - buttons to adjust the time for 4 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, to quickly release the pressure simply turn the sealing valve to "venting."
    • Once the pin drops, remove the lid and add the heavy cream, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
      1 cup Heavy Cream, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, 8 oz Parmesan Cheese
    • Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired and enjoy!
      Fresh Parsley

    Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.

    The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 633kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 25gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 1077mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1113IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thismomsmenu or tag #thismomsmenu

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    penne in Alfredo sauce with text overaly

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    Hi! I am Sabra and I'm the face behind This Mom's Menu. I live just outside of Louisville Kentucky with my husband and four kids. Here at This Mom's Menu, you can expect to find family-friendly, healthy recipes plus articles about what is helping me get through my daily to-do list with a little sanity to spare! My favorite things right now are fresh flowers, eggs, and re-runs of The Office ...

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