Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Description
A creamy, one-pot Cajun chicken alfredo with andouille sausage, penne pasta, and a parmesan cream sauce that actually clings to the pasta. Ready in 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (about 1 lb)
- 12 oz andouille, or smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tbsp cajun seasoning, divided
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb dry penne pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 6 oz freshly grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry; season with ½ tbsp cajun, salt, and pepper. Set Instant Pot to Sauté – High, heat oil, sear chicken 3 minutes per side. Remove.
- Add sausage; brown 2–3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in broth, scraping up all browned bits. Cancel Sauté.
- Add penne in an even layer (don't stir). Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp cajun. Place chicken on top.
- Lock lid, valve to Sealing. Pressure Cook – High for 5 minutes. Do a controlled quick release.
- Remove chicken to rest. Stir in butter, then warm cream, then parmesan in three additions, stirring between each.
- Let rest 5 minutes uncovered. Slice chicken against the grain, fold into pasta. Garnish with parsley.
Equipment
- Instant Pot,
- Ladle
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan, not pre-shredded — anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting.
- The 5-minute rest at the end is essential for sauce thickening.
- Always warm cream before adding to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 855kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 42gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 1206mgPotassium: 717mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1818IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 399mgIron: 3mg