Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara | instant pot recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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When I first tried making this Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara, I had doubts. Pasta, chicken, and bacon all cooking together? Well, let’s just say it surprised me in the best way. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, and I get to take credit. This dish is creamy, smoky, and comforting without being fussy. I mean, who doesn’t want dinner ready in under 30 minutes? We’re talking about a recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to order takeout again. What I love most is how it makes my kitchen smell like I’ve been cooking for hours, even though I haven’t. It’s one of those chicken instant pot recipes that proves you don’t need a dozen steps for big flavor. Whether you’re hunting for an instant pot recipe that feels a little indulgent, craving instant pot chicken and rice recipes but want to shake things up, or looking for Instant Pot Recipes Easy that still deliver, this one’s got you covered. Oh, and did I mention it falls into the instant pot recipes healthy category too? Creamy comfort food with a light touch—sign me up.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Recipe
3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara
4) How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara
5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara
6) Making Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara
8) Try these pasta recipes next!
9) Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This instant pot recipe combines pasta, chicken, and bacon in one pot for easy comfort food.
You get creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and tender chicken in under 30 minutes.
The Instant Pot saves time while locking in flavor and making cleanup simple.
This dish works well for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dinner.

2) Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Recipe

I always say that if an instant pot recipe can make me look like I spent hours cooking when in reality I barely broke a sweat, then it’s a keeper. This chicken and bacon carbonara does exactly that. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, the smoky bacon sneaks in flavor, and the chicken makes it hearty enough that nobody leaves the table hungry. I’ve made it on nights when I didn’t even want to step in the kitchen and it still came out like something worth bragging about.

What really seals the deal for me is the speed. I can get this dish from fridge to table faster than it takes the delivery driver to find my house. The Instant Pot takes over the hard work, and all I need to do is toss in the ingredients and look confident when I bring the pot to the table.

If you’ve been searching for chicken instant pot recipes that keep everyone happy, this one hits the mark. It’s creamy without being too heavy, quick without cutting corners, and flavorful without needing a pile of complicated steps.

3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless pieces are best here. Cut into bite-size chunks, they cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce. They also add the protein that balances the richness of the bacon and pasta.

Bacon: Thick-cut slices work better than thin ones since they hold their shape after cooking. Once crisped, they give a smoky crunch that feels like the star of the dish. Plus, the leftover bacon drippings give the pasta a subtle kick.

Olive Oil: Just a splash to keep things from sticking when the chicken hits the pot. It blends with the bacon fat to coat the pasta in flavor.

Garlic: Four cloves may sound bold, but trust me, the garlic softens as it cooks and adds warmth without overpowering. If garlic is your thing, you won’t regret tossing in an extra clove.

Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth works best. It helps cook the pasta evenly, and the starch released during cooking thickens the sauce beautifully.

Spaghetti: Broken in half so it fits in the pot. This trick helps prevent clumping and ensures every strand cooks evenly.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is the way to go. The sharp, nutty flavor ties the dish together and makes the sauce silky.

Eggs: Beaten into the sauce at the end, they thicken the mixture just enough to feel rich without turning heavy. It’s what makes carbonara, carbonara.

Heavy Cream: A small amount adds the luscious texture you expect in this dish. Swap for half and half if you want a lighter finish.

Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, parsley adds freshness and color that breaks up all that creamy richness.

4) How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara

Step 1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside. Try not to eat half of it before the pasta is done.

Step 2. Add olive oil and the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Sear until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking them through just yet, they’ll finish under pressure.

Step 3. Toss in the garlic and stir for about a minute. The smell alone will make people wander into the kitchen asking when dinner’s ready.

Step 4. Pour in the broth and add the spaghetti. Press it down gently so most of it sits under the liquid. You don’t want dry noodles poking out the top.

Step 5. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot on high for six minutes. Once the time is up, quick release the steam carefully.

Step 6. Switch back to sauté. Stir in the Parmesan, eggs, and cream until the sauce comes together. It should look glossy and clingy, not clumpy.

Step 7. Add the bacon back in, stir gently, and finish with parsley. Serve hot with extra cheese on the side.

5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara

I’ve learned a few things after making this dish more times than I’ll admit. First, don’t skimp on the Parmesan. The flavor and texture depend on it, and the pre-grated stuff from the bag won’t cut it. Grating a block of cheese feels old-fashioned but makes a difference.

Second, the pasta needs to be submerged in the broth before you set the pot. If not, you’ll end up with half-cooked noodles. Push them down with a spoon and don’t be shy about rearranging.

Lastly, stir the sauce quickly once you add the eggs. Nobody wants scrambled eggs in their carbonara. Keep the pot on sauté but move fast with the spoon until everything turns creamy and smooth.

6) Making Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Ahead of Time

This dish is best hot and fresh, but I’ve had success making it earlier in the day. If you go this route, keep the pasta and sauce separate until you reheat. Store the cooked pasta in a sealed container and the sauce in another. When it’s time to eat, warm them up and stir together.

For longer storage, freeze the sauce by itself. Cream sauces don’t always hold up perfectly in the freezer, but this one comes back to life with a little extra cream and cheese stirred in after thawing.

Carbonara ahead of time won’t taste exactly like the fresh version, but it’s still comforting and saves you time when the evening feels rushed.

7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara

Leftovers don’t last long in my house, but when they do, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days. The pasta soaks up the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen things up.

If you plan to pack it for lunch the next day, store the parsley and extra cheese separately. Add them just before eating for a fresher flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. The dish won’t be identical to the first night, but it still delivers that smoky, creamy comfort that made you love it in the first place.

8) Try these pasta recipes next!

9) Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara Recipe