Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Penne in a Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1

Add chicken, paprika and Italian seasoning to a ziplock bag and toss to combine

Step 2

Set aside

Step 3

Pre-heat the inner pot - Sauté, Normal

Step 4

Add the bacon to the inner pot

Step 5

Fry for about 5 minutes until crisp, stirring frequently

Step 6

Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot

Step 7

Add the butter to the inner pot

Step 8

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes

Step 9

Sauté for 1 minute

Step 10

Add the chicken to the inner pot and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally

Step 11

Stir in the chicken broth and deglaze the pot if necessary

Step 12

Add the pasta and stir to combine

Step 13

Add enough water to cover the pasta, about 3 cups

Step 14

Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Sealing

Step 15

Pressure cook - Pressure cook, High, 3 min

Step 16

When the cook time ends, turn off the pressure cooker

Step 17

Release pressure - Quick venting

Step 18

When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid

Step 19

Stir the mixture and taste penne for doneness

Step 20

If needed, select simmer/sauté and cook for a few minutes more, stirring often, until the pasta is tender

Step 21

Stir in the half and half and parmesan a little at a time until cheese melts

Step 22

Stir in the bacon, spinach, and grape tomatoes

Step 23

Season with salt and pepper to taste