Instant Pot French Onion Chicken Pasta
Pressure-cooked one-pot pasta combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy Gruyere cheese. Beef broth and fresh thyme create savory French onion soup flavors infused throughout tender penne. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- ½ cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheeseEmmental1:1neutraldairy-free
similar melting point
- fresh thyme(optional)
- shredded Gruyere(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Press sauté on Instant Pot and heat olive oil.
- 2
Add onions and stir frequently until browned and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Add salt, garlic, nutmeg, and thyme sprigs, then press cancel.
- 4
Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 5
Add pasta and remaining salt, stir to combine.
- 6
Nestle chicken pieces into the pasta mixture.
- 7
Lock the lid in place and ensure steam valve is in sealed position.
- 8
Set timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- 9
Once cooking completes, do a quick release of the steam valve.
- 10
Remove thyme sprigs and stir in cheese until melted and coating the pasta.
- 11
Serve with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
Use a wooden spoon or utensil to release steam valve to avoid hand proximity to escaping steam.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of broth to restore sauce consistency.
Prepare onions, cube chicken, and mince garlic up to 1 day ahead. Do not caramelize onions in advance.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and additional shredded Gruyere cheese. Serve immediately while pasta is warm.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the quick release step; natural release may result in overcooked pasta.
Avoid lifting the lid before 5 minutes are complete to prevent pressure loss and undercooked chicken.
Do not stir pasta after adding; settling ensures even pressure cooking.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
similar melting point