This Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta is a lighter way to enjoy the cult-favourite dish, made with dried ranch seasoning, turkey bacon and sour cream.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like canola oil.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – you could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Garlic – I like using freshly minced garlic but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
- Dry ranch seasoning – make your own ranch seasoning or use a store-bought version.
- Scoobi do noodles – macaroni noodles or penne pasta would also work.
- Cheddar cheese – try another melting cheese like white cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Turkey bacon – regular bacon would work as well, itāll just increase the calorie count.
- Sour cream – light cream cheese would also work.
- Parsley – celery leaves or chervil have a similar taste.
- Green onions – chives are the best alternative here.
How to make crack chicken pasta in the Instant Pot
- Add the ingredients to the Instant Pot in order.
- Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Cook the turkey bacon.
- Do a quick release of the pressure.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy!
What to serve with crack chicken pasta
This crack chicken pasta Instant Pot recipe is already super indulgent, so I like serving it with some steamed veggies. If you’re looking for more side dish ideas, here are some options:
- Garlic bread
- Olive Garden breadsticks
- Instant Pot carrots
- Kale salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can! If you have some leftover cooked chicken you want to use up, cook the rest of the pasta without the chicken. When the pasta is done cooking, stir in the diced cooked chicken, then add the lit back on and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
The flavors of the ranch seasoning are what makes this pasta so delicious! You can buy some at the store or make your own using my recipe. Mix together buttermilk powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, dry parsley and black pepper.
I’d recommend using shredded cheddar cheese, but you can use another kind of melting cheese like white cheddar or Monterrey Jack.
Yes! Check out my classic Instant Pot crack chicken recipe that’s made without the pasta.
I personally haven’t tested this crack chicken pasta recipe in the crock pot, but you can certainly give it a shot. Swap out the water for chicken broth and cook the chicken on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, then stir in the pasta, sour cream and cheese to make the creamy sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Storing and reheating
Store any leftovers of this Instant Pot crack chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When youāre ready to enjoy, reheat it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or bring the mixture to a simmer in a skillet on the stovetop. Top with some more fresh cheddar and dig in!
Freezing this recipe
This crack chicken pasta Instant Pot recipe freezes super well! After itās cooled, transfer it into airtight glass containers or freezer-safe Ziploc bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to freeze individual portions in meal prep containers. When youāre ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
More Instant Pot pasta recipes
- Easy Instant Pot Lasagna
- Instant Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta
- Cheesiest Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- The Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 is the version I use in this recipe.
- Grab some Glass meal prep bowls if you plan on packing this pasta up for lunch!
- I get free range chicken from my monthly Butcher Box ā it’s a great way to enjoy healthier meats and poultry!
The Best Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium-sized boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning
- 3 cups water
- 1 lb scoobi doo pasta (or macaroni)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 12 slices turkey bacon
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Add olive oil, chicken, garlic, ranch seasoning, water and pasta to Instant Pot in that order. Cook for 3 minutes on high pressure then do a quick release of the pressure.
- While pasta is cooking, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet. Open the lid when safe to do so and stir in sour cream, half of the green onions, parsley, turkey bacon and cheese.
- Serve in bowls, garnishing with remaining half of green onions. Serve and enjoy!