Check out our recipe for Instant Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta- Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce!
At our house, we LOVE pasta, chicken and chicken wings. My go-to flavors for chicken wings is a medium sauce or garlic parmesan sauce. I like to have a little kick to the wings, but not so hot that you can’t taste anything for days. I was so pleasantly surprised when I came across the Buffalo Wild Wings sauces at the store the other day….and they had my two favorites!! Last time I went to the store, I picked up a couple of bottles of the spicy garlic sauce and the parmesan garlic sauce. If you haven’t seen these sauces yet, check out Costco, Wal-mart or Amazon. I have bought them at multiple locations. 🙂
This recipe uses the parmesan garlic sauce (because it is soooo good! I think I could literally eat it by the spoonful….don’t try that at home lol). When you mix the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce with pasta, chicken and cheese, you end up with a super rich and creamy dish that is super easy to make.
If you would prefer a milder dish, just reduce the amount of sauce that you use and replace it with a little extra chicken broth. I did find that the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce had a little bit of a kick at the end that I was not expecting. For some reason, when I eat the sauce on wings, I haven’t tasted any heat. But, when the focus is on the sauce, you can taste a little heat.
Tips for making Instant Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Yes, you can. However, you will still need to cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, otherwise, the chicken will not cook throughout during the time that it takes the pasta to cook. Large pieces of chicken and whole chicken breasts take substantially longer to cook than pasta does, so it is not recommended to use whole pieces of chicken.
Yes! You can double this recipe. When doubling, double all ingredients except the chicken broth. Instead of doubling the chicken broth, only add an additional 3 cups instead of 3.5 cups.
Technically, yes. But, the chicken broth adds so much extra flavor to the pasta. If you use water, the flavor will be more “watered down” and not as rich and delicious.
No problem! Simply use this calculation for al dente pasta: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
If you prefer your pasta cooked a little more: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 1. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 1. 5-1=4. Pressure cook for 4 minutes.
If you prefer your pasta completely cooked and tender: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Yes! You can use whatever type of sauce you would like. It doesn’t have to be Buffalo Wild Wings brand. Although, I would recommend that you stick with a mild and creamy sauce for this recipe. The parmesan garlic sauce works really well with the parmesan and cream cheese.
Ingredient substitutions and tips for making Instant Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta:
The full ingredient list is found at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Olive Oil-Vegetable Oil or canola oil can be used instead if you prefer.
Chicken Breasts– I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes ensures that the chicken will cook in the same amount of time as the pasta. I would not recommend using full chicken breasts for this recipe as a full chicken breast would need substantially longer to cook than pasta.
Chicken Broth- Water can be used, but the beef broth adds extra flavor.
Pasta- I used penne pasta but you can use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe. I would recommend using short pasta instead of long pasta like spaghetti. If you are using a different shape of pasta, follow these instructions to determine the proper pressure cooking time: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
Cream Cheese- You can use regular or reduced-fat cream cheese for this recipe.
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce- If you prefer, you can use another type of mild wing sauce for this recipe. I would encourage you to still use a milder sauce like the parmesan garlic because it goes so well with the cream cheese! 🙂 For a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of sauce and increase the amount of broth instead.
Milk- I used whole milk but feel free to use skim, 1% or 2%. If you want it to be extra rich, you can even use heavy cream instead.
Parmesan Cheese- Shredded or grated works fine. I used about ½ of each and both combined well with the sauce!
Directions for making Instant Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta:
1. Turn Instant Pot on saute, high for 15 minutes.
2. Pour in Olive Oil.
3.Once the Olive Oil is hot, pour in the chicken. Saute chicken until lightly browned on all sides.
4.Once the chicken is lightly browned, pour in chicken broth. Stir and lightly scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned chicken bits. If using a nonstick pot, use a silicone spatula.
5.Add the pasta on top. DO NOT STIR PASTA! Simply just push all of the pasta down, so most of it is covered by the liquid.
6.Close the pressure cooking lid and move the valve to the seal position. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.
*If you are using a different shape of pasta, follow these instructions to determine the proper pressure cooking time: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
7.Once the timer beeps and the Instant Pot is finished pressure cooking, move the valve to the vent position and release the pressure. If a lot of liquid starts to come out of the Instant Pot, close the vent, wait 3-5 minutes and then try to release the pressure again. Continue to do this until all pressure has been released.
8.Stir chicken and pasta together. Don’t worry if all of the pasta isn’t cooked all the way. It will continue to cook as you add the additional ingredients. Turn Instant Pot on saute and add cream cheese, parmesan garlic dressing, milk, and parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
9.Serve and enjoy!
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Instant Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta-Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Chicken Breasts (Boneless; Skinless; Cut into one inch cubes)
- 3 ½ cups Chicken Broth (Low Sodium)
- 16 ounces Pasta (I used Penne, but any short pasta may be used.)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 8 ounces Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesean Garlic Sauce
- ⅔ cup Milk
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot on saute, high for 15 minutes.
- Pour in Olive Oil.
- Once the Olive Oil is hot, pour in the chicken. Saute chicken until lightly browned on all sides.
- Once the chicken is lightly browned, pour in chicken broth. Stir and lightly scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned chicken bits. If using a nonstick pot, use a silicone spatula.
- Add the pasta on top. DO NOT STIR PASTA! Simply just push all of the pasta down, so most of it is covered by the liquid.
- Close pressure cooking lid, and move valve to the seal position. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. *If you are using a different shape of pasta, follow these instructions to determine the proper pressure cooking time: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps and the Instant Pot is finished pressure cooking, move the valve to the vent position and release the pressure. If a lot of liquid starts to come out of the Instant Pot, close the vent, wait 3-5 minutes and then try to release the pressure again. Continue to do this until all pressure has been released.
- Stir chicken and pasta together. Don't worry if all of the pasta isn't cooked all the way. It will continue to cook as you add the additional ingredients. Turn Instant Pot on saute and add cream cheese, parmesan garlic dressing, milk, and parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
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lily
Can you make this the night before or will the pasta get mushy?
TheTastyTravelers
You can make it ahead of time. But with any other pasta dish, the pasta will start to get a little mushy and will start to absorb more of the sauce. I would try to make it the day you are going to eat it, if possible. Leftovers are good, but not as good as when it’s freshly made.
Sarah Close
So it didn’t say how long to cook the chicken nor if I was supposed to take the chicken out to cook the noodles… So I did take it out and think I over cooked the chicken cause I Lightly browned it and I think it is over cooked. Other than that the noodles are great!
TheTastyTravelers
Hi Sarah, For this recipe, you don’t need to take the chicken out to cook the pasta. Since the chicken is left in the pressure cooker while the pasta is cooking, the chicken will continue to cook, but it cooks under pressure. Since the chicken is cooked under pressure, it comes out more tender than it would if you were to cook it that long on the stove or in the oven. I’m glad the pasta and sauce turned out good for you. Next time, just leave the chicken in during the pressure cooking time and see if you can taste the difference. 🙂
Brandon
I did this in the Crockpot and at the last 5 or so mins I add fresh baby Spinach. It was very creamy and it does have a little heat.
TheTastyTravelers
Hi Brandon! I’m glad you were able to make it in the crockpot! Spinach sounds like it would be a great addition! 🙂
Eric
This recipe is OMG Good!!! I added a 10oz package of frozen chopped spinach just to make it more of a balanced meal, but other than that I can’t think of anything I’d change. Simple quick, easy clean up, relatively inexpensive. I have a feeling this is going to become a regular go to diner for me.
TheTastyTravelers
Hi Eric! I’m so glad that you like the recipe! It’s so easy to make. I love that you added in the spinach too! Such a great idea.
Beth
I was thinking about adding broccoli to this.
TheTastyTravelers
Feel free to add fresh or frozen broccoli at the very end. I would recommend that you add the broccoli after you have released pressure and when you are stirring everything together. In my experience, broccoli does not do well under pressure, it turns to mush. Just add it at the end and stir. It will cook very quickly. If needed, just place the lid back on, don’t turn the pot back on, and let it steam in the pot for a minute or two. :).
Michele
Can I make it with out the pasta?
TheTastyTravelers
You can. The cook time would remain the same but the amount of liquid should be reduced to about 1 cup at most.
Jennifer
Are we able to just throw everything into a slow cooker? If so long long would it take?
TheTastyTravelers
Hi Jennifer! Although I have not tried to cook it in a slow cooker, I would think that you would be able to do so. But, I would not add the pasta until close to the end of the cooking time otherwise it will be overcooked and mushy. As I have not tried to make this in a slow cooker, I can’t advise on how long it would take.
Tracy Allen
You have to try this recipe.It is amazing.
TheTastyTravelers
Hi Tracy! I’m so glad to hear that you loved our recipe!
Rachel Schoenholz
How can i do this without an instant pot? 🙁
TheTastyTravelers
Hi Rachel! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook the chicken and pasta on the stove and then just add in the cheese and sauce. Mix everything together and you’re all set!
Diane Campbell
Its got a kick to it I like it