Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the rich flavors of Italy in just 30 minutes? Say hello to Instant Pot Chicken Baconara—a creamy, savory delight that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente spaghetti in a luscious sauce that will leave your taste buds singing! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next gathering. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, chopping bacon into small pieces, mincing garlic, and grating Parmesan cheese.
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook chopped bacon until crispy and fat has rendered, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in pot.
- Add diced chicken to bacon drippings, season with salt and pepper. Sauté chicken until lightly golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to chicken and sauté for additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Break spaghetti in half and layer over chicken in a crisscross pattern. Pour 1 cup water or chicken broth around pasta to ensure it's mostly submerged.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6-7 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, do quick release of pressure. Carefully open lid and stir pasta.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and reserved crispy bacon. Mix until sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, ensuring each portion has chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Dice the chicken, chop the bacon, and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
- Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, ensure you sauté it until it’s golden brown and has rendered most of its fat. This will infuse the dish with incredible flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken, aim for a light golden color. It will continue to cook under pressure, so avoid overcooking it in the initial sauté step.
- Layering the Pasta: When adding the spaghetti, break it in half and layer it in a crisscross pattern. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents clumping.
- Quick Release: Be cautious when doing a quick release after cooking. Use a kitchen towel to protect your hand from steam, and allow the pressure to release fully before opening the lid.
- Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it sit for a few minutes after mixing in the cream and cheese. The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish.With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Instant Pot Chicken Baconara and delighting everyone at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 165mg
