Name: Instant Pot Recipes Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cut into chunks; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Chopped green onions, for garnish; Blue cheese crumbles (optional)

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Buffalo chicken pasta in the Instant Pot is one of those meals that makes you think, why didn’t I try this sooner. It’s creamy, it’s spicy, and it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a hug, except with pasta. I love how the chicken soaks up the flavor, and the pasta cooks right along with it, so you don’t end up juggling a million pots and pans. If you’ve been on the lookout for Instant Pot recipes that actually deliver flavor, this one’s a winner. It’s a great instant pot recipe when you need something quick and satisfying without feeling heavy. I’ll be honest, the first time I made it, I thought I might regret the buffalo sauce, but nope—no regrets here. This is one of those Instant Pot Recipes Easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for company. I often find myself reaching for chicken instant pot recipes because they’re fast and foolproof, and this one tops my list. If you’re trying to keep things balanced, you’ll be happy to know that this pasta leans toward instant pot recipes healthy, or at least healthier than it tastes. It’s comfort food with a little less guilt. So, if Instant Pot Recipes Healthy are your thing—or even if they’re not—you’ll want to keep this dish in rotation.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
4) How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
6) Making Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and perfect for quick meals.
You can prepare it in about 30 minutes, which makes it weeknight friendly.
It combines chicken, pasta, buffalo sauce, and cheese for a comfort meal.
Storage tips help you keep it fresh for leftovers.

2) Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

I’ve made many instant pot recipes over the years, but this buffalo chicken pasta has earned a permanent spot on my table. The creamy sauce wraps around each piece of pasta, and the chicken carries that tangy buffalo kick we all crave. When I first tried it, I expected a mess, yet the Instant Pot handled it with ease.

Cooking pasta and chicken together might sound risky, but this instant pot recipe proves it can be done smoothly. It’s like getting a big reward for little effort. That’s why I call it one of my Instant Pot Recipes Easy. It feels comforting without needing hours in the kitchen.

If you enjoy chicken instant pot recipes or lean toward instant pot recipes healthy, this dish is a balance of both worlds. It’s indulgent enough to satisfy but still lighter than most cheesy pasta dishes. On Lila Cooks (www.lilacooks.com), I share meals like this that make weeknights more relaxed and dinners more joyful.

3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best here. They soak up the sauce beautifully and shred easily once cooked.

Pasta: Rotini pasta is my go-to since its spirals hold the creamy sauce in every bite. Penne or fusilli also work well.

Chicken Broth: A good broth builds the flavor base. It cooks the pasta evenly and gives depth to the sauce.

Buffalo Sauce: This is the star flavor. Choose your favorite buffalo wing sauce to control the spice level.

Cream Cheese: Adds richness and makes the sauce velvety smooth. Cut it into chunks so it melts quickly.

Mozzarella and Cheddar: The blend of these cheeses brings stretchiness and sharp flavor to balance the spice.

Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie the dish together without overpowering the buffalo taste.

Green Onions: Fresh and crisp, they brighten each serving. Sprinkle on top right before eating.

Blue Cheese Crumbles: Optional, but they add a tangy bite that pairs naturally with buffalo sauce.

4) How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Step 1. Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once finished, quick release the pressure carefully.

Step 3. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot to mix with the pasta.

Step 4. Add cream cheese chunks and stir until melted. The sauce should start looking creamy and smooth.

Step 5. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar. Let the cheeses melt fully to give a thick, cheesy sauce.

Step 6. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if you like, blue cheese crumbles. Serve warm and enjoy.

5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Keep an eye on your buffalo sauce choice. Some brands pack serious heat while others lean mild. Adjust it to fit your taste so you don’t surprise yourself with too much spice.

Shred the chicken after cooking, not before. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. If you try shredding beforehand, the texture won’t hold up as well.

Don’t forget to stir in the cream cheese slowly. It melts best when added gradually, and that’s how you avoid clumps. This step makes the sauce silky and satisfying.

6) Making Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time

This recipe works well if you plan to prep in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta as directed, then cool them before storing. Keep the cheese separate until reheating for the smoothest sauce.

If you’re cooking for a busy week, divide the pasta into meal-sized portions. They store neatly and heat up quickly when life gets chaotic.

The sauce may thicken in the fridge. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to creamy perfection.

7) Storing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. The pasta stays fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a little liquid added to loosen the sauce.

For freezing, let the pasta cool fully before sealing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Fresh garnishes like green onions are best added after reheating. They bring back that just-made freshness.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta