This Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon Carbonara is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s one of those dinners that feels like it came straight from a restaurant, but it’s actually made right at home in one pot. My family asks for this one all the time, and honestly, I don’t mind making it. It’s quick, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
I love using the Instant Pot because everything cooks fast, and there’s less cleanup. The pasta cooks right in the same pot with the chicken, soaking up all that flavor from the broth, bacon, and garlic. And once you stir in the cream and Parmesan? It’s magic.
This recipe has everything going for it—tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from the peas. It’s a meal you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 to 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth
1 pound bow tie pasta
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 ounces shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen peas
6 to 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Toss the chicken pieces in flour until lightly coated.
Turn your Instant Pot on to the sauté setting. Add the butter and oil. Once hot, add in the garlic and the floured chicken. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and mostly cooked through. You might need to do this in batches so the chicken browns nicely. Add a little more butter or oil if the pot gets dry.
Once all the chicken is cooked, return it to the pot. Add the dry pasta right on top of the chicken—don’t stir it. Then pour the chicken broth over the pasta. Make sure the broth covers the pasta as much as possible. The liquid needs to go in last to help prevent the burn warning.
Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, let the pressure naturally release for 8 minutes before opening the lid.
Give everything a good stir. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir again. Add the Parmesan cheese, frozen peas, and cooked bacon. Let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts and the peas warm through.
If you like, garnish each plate with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of bacon on top.
This creamy chicken and bacon carbonara is cozy, filling, and perfect for a busy night. Serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread if you want to stretch it a little further.
