Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles: Your Ultimate Easy Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken and noodles to soothe the soul, especially when it’s made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles delivers everything you crave: succulent, shredded chicken, perfectly tender egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce that binds it all together. It’s a truly cozy, flavor-packed pasta dish that promises to become a regular in your meal rotation, offering maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss.

Instant Pot chicken and noodles in a large white bowl, shot close-up to show the chunks of chicken and twisty noodles.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe Is a Must-Try

Unmatched Comfort in Every Bite: This creamy Instant Pot chicken and noodles dish truly stands out as one of the most delightful and comforting meals you can make. It’s reminiscent of a classic chicken noodle soup, but with a thicker, more luxurious, and less brothy texture. Imagine tender, juicy chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked wide egg noodles, all coated in a rich, buttery gravy. This savory concoction, often made with heavy cream and cream of chicken soup, hits all the right notes for a satisfying and cozy meal, making it absolutely ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little culinary hug.
Incredibly Quick and Effortless: We cannot stress enough just how simple and straightforward this recipe is! With virtually no complicated prep work and incredibly easy cleanup, it’s designed for busy lives. You’ll only need less than 10 common pantry ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of Instant Pot cooking means hands-off time and a forgiving process, so even novice cooks can achieve perfect results. If you’re feeding a larger family or planning for leftovers, this recipe can be easily doubled, provided you have a sufficiently sized Instant Pot. Seriously, this pressure cooker chicken and noodle dish is so easy and forgiving, it’s practically impossible to mess up!
Highly Versatile and Customizable: One of the best aspects of this Instant Pot chicken and noodles recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic base for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have available. While we’ve used canned cream of chicken soup for convenience, you can effortlessly swap it for a homemade cream of chicken soup for an even fresher flavor. Other condensed soup options like canned or homemade cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery, or even cream of onion would work wonderfully, adding their unique depths of flavor. Feel free to boost the nutritional value and color by stirring in your favorite vegetables such as frozen peas, diced carrots, or steamed broccoli florets during the final stages of cooking. For an extra layer of richness and flavor, consider stirring in some shredded fresh Parmesan, sharp cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses. This adaptability makes it a truly family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed in many delicious variations.

Expert Chef’s Tips for Instant Pot Perfection

Preventing the “Burn” Warning: Before initiating the pressure cook cycle, it’s crucial to deglaze your Instant Pot insert thoroughly. This means using a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits of chicken that might have stuck during the searing process. These flavorful fond bits are delicious, but if left adhered to the bottom, they can trigger your Instant Pot’s “burn” warning, which will halt the cooking and require you to start over. Taking an extra minute for this step ensures a smooth, uninterrupted cooking process and a perfectly cooked dish.
Check Your Sealing Ring: When was the last time you inspected the silicone sealing ring on your Instant Pot’s lid? It’s a common oversight, but a crucial one! If your pressure cooker struggles to pressurize, or if you notice an excessive amount of liquid evaporating during cooking, it’s highly probable that your sealing ring isn’t creating an effective seal. Over time, these rings can wear out, become damaged, or even absorb odors. Always ensure the sealing ring is correctly and completely seated in the lid. If it shows any signs of wear, age, or damage (like cracks or deformities), it’s time to replace it. A proper seal is paramount for the Instant Pot to build and maintain pressure, ensuring all your dishes, especially this creamy chicken and noodles, cook perfectly.
Room Temperature Heavy Cream: For the best results, always ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the hot Instant Pot contents. Adding cold cream directly to hot ingredients can cause it to curdle or separate, leading to a less smooth and appealing sauce. If your cream is cold, simply let it sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes before use, or gently warm a small portion in the microwave (not hot, just taking the chill off) and temper it into the pot before adding the rest. This simple step guarantees a velvety-smooth, luscious sauce every time.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: When it comes to cooking pasta in the Instant Pot, timing is key, especially with delicate egg noodles. While the recipe calls for a specific cook time, always remember that different brands and thicknesses of egg noodles can vary. The 2-minute high-pressure cook time is designed to yield tender noodles that still have a slight bite. After the quick release, stir well and if you find them a bit too firm for your liking, you can always put the lid back on (without pressure) and let them sit in the hot liquid for an extra minute or two to soften further. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to mushy noodles.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After all the ingredients are combined and the dish has had a moment to thicken, always taste and adjust the seasoning. The saltiness from the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup can vary, so a final check for salt and pepper is essential. You might also want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a touch of onion powder to enhance the flavor profile to your personal preference. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end can also brighten the dish.

Overhead view of two bowls of Instant Pot chicken and noodles on a white table top with glasses of white wine.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

This heartwarming Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides that complement its rich flavors. For a fresh contrast, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. A side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets can add a wonderful vegetable component. Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce. If you want to elevate the dish further, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a dash of paprika just before serving can add a pop of color and freshness. This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping, as it reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent option for quick lunches throughout the week.

Instant Pot Recipes to Relieve Meal Planning Pressure

Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes
Instant Pot Carne Asada
Beer-Infused Instant Pot Brats
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
Japanese Curry in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Italian Sausage
Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas

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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

30 minutes

Total:

45 minutes

Juicy chicken and tender egg noodles in a creamy sauce, made quick and easy in the Instant Pot! The ultimate family-friendly comfort food for busy weeknights.

Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik

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6
servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 3-6 chicken breasts depending on size
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salt to taste
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freshly cracked black pepper to taste
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¼ cup unsalted butter cut into smaller pieces

For the Noodles and Sauce

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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 10.5-ounce cans cream of chicken soup 21 ounces total
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2-3 cloves garlic minced
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12 ounces wide egg noodles
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½ cup heavy cream at room temperature

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Equipment

Cutting board
Paper towels
6-quart Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker
Tongs
large plate
large wooden spoon
Large bowl
2 forks

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Place 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board. Pat the chicken breasts dry on all sides with paper towels, then season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
Sauté the chicken: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, stirring occasionally to ensure it coats the entire bottom of the Instant Pot insert.
Sear the chicken: Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts directly onto the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden brown. Once both sides are seared, transfer the chicken to a large plate and set aside.
Deglaze the pot: Pour 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a large wooden spoon to thoroughly scrape up any browned bits of chicken that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to prevent a “burn” warning.
Add ingredients: Add 2 10.5-ounce cans cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 2-3 cloves minced garlic. Stir well to fully incorporate all ingredients into the broth. Return the seared chicken breasts to the Instant Pot.
Pressure cook chicken: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is in the Sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) High Pressure for 12 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to pressurize, after which the cook time will begin.
Release pressure: After the 12-minute cook time is complete, carefully perform a Quick Release of the pressure. Once the floating valve drops, remove the lid from the Instant Pot. Always use caution, as escaping steam will be very hot.
Shred chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into pieces of your desired size. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir it into the creamy sauce.
Cook noodles: Add 12 ounces wide egg noodles and ½ cup room temperature heavy cream to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine thoroughly, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot again with the vent in the Sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) High Pressure for 2 minutes.
Finish and thicken: Once the 2-minute cook time ends, immediately perform a Quick Release of the pressure and carefully remove the lid. Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Let the mixture stand for 2 to 3 minutes if needed to allow the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid slightly.
Serve: Portion the prepared creamy Instant Pot chicken and noodles into serving bowls. Serve warm with your desired sides. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

Notes

Heavy Cream: As mentioned in the Chef’s Tips, it is essential to use heavy cream that is at room temperature. If cold cream is added to hot ingredients, it can curdle or separate, affecting the smooth texture of the sauce. For best results, let it sit out for 15-30 minutes before incorporating.
Storage: Store any leftover Instant Pot chicken and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken further upon cooling.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: While technically possible, this dish, particularly the egg noodles and creamy sauce, does not freeze and thaw exceptionally well. The noodles can become mushy, and the sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.