When dinner needs to be fast, Instant Pot Alfredo is a creamy and cozy option that feels restaurant-worthy but takes just minutes at home. This recipe is made with gluten free pasta, so everyone at the table can dig in without worry. It's rich, cheesy, and perfectly saucy, all cooked in one pot for the ultimate easy weeknight pasta dinner.
Busy weeknights call for dinners that are quick to the table, and I've got plenty of gluten free pasta recipes to keep things interesting. Try my gluten free penne with chicken and pesto for a fresh, herby twist, or try our favorite Instant Pot spaghetti. And when you're in the mood for a little Southern comfort, my chicken spaghetti with Rotel is always a crowd-pleaser. Each one is simple, satisfying, and made for busy families, just like mine!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free - Dinner is on the table in about 20 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot.
- Gluten Free Without Compromise - Penne noodles keep their texture, so the pasta tastes just as good as the classic version.
- Creamy, Cheesy Comfort - A rich Alfredo sauce that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week.
- Family Approved - Teens, picky eaters, and pasta lovers alike will be happy to see this on the menu.
- Versatile for Meals - Serve hot for a cozy weeknight dinner or reheat leftovers for an easy, satisfying lunch.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Broth - Lightens up the sauce by cutting back on heavy cream and milk while still adding plenty of flavor. Bonus: it's budget-friendly.
- Milk - Brings creaminess without making the sauce too heavy, balancing out the richness. Works with 1%, 2%, whole, or lactose-free. Skip skim milk; it doesn't have enough fat to make a creamy sauce.
- Gluten Free Flour - Thickens the sauce so it coats every piece of penne perfectly. All-purpose flour will also work if you do not need a gluten free option.
- Heavy Cream - Adds that velvety, indulgent texture Alfredo is known for.
- Garlic Salt - Gives you garlicky flavor without peeling cloves. For low FODMAP folks, use Smoke and Sanity's garlic salt that is low FODMAP.
- Gluten Free Penne Noodles - Hearty pasta that cooks beautifully in the Instant Pot and soaks up all that sauce. Regular penne noodles will also work.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese - Melts right in for a salty, nutty finish that makes Alfredo irresistible.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Spray the Instant Pot liner, then whisk broth, milk, and flour until smooth. Add heavy cream, seasonings, and penne noodles.
Pop on the lid, make sure it's sealed, and cook on high pressure for half the pasta's package cooking time minus two minutes. This keeps gluten free pasta tender, not mushy.
Step 2: Finish the Sauce
Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent.
Stir in Parmesan until creamy. If the sauce looks thin, let it rest for a few minutes so the pasta absorbs it.
Taste, season, and serve.
How to Calculate Gluten Free Pasta Cooking Time in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot cooks pasta faster than the stovetop, which means we do a little math to get it just right. Take the pasta package time, divide it in half, then subtract 2 minutes. For example, if your penne says 12 minutes, that becomes (12 ÷ 2 = 6, then 6 - 2 = 4), so you'll set the Instant Pot for 4 minutes. That's math I can get behind… because it ends with a plate of gluten free Alfredo penne.
Tips and Tricks
In a rush? Do Not VENT right away! Otherwise, you will spend 15 minutes cleaning up a spurting Alfredo sauce volcano in your kitchen. Ask me how I know this…
Don't Forget To Turn Off Keep Warm! While you sit down for dinner, the pasta keeps cooking and can turn into mushy clump. Don't rush dinner, just turn it off before sitting down to enjoy your meal.
Thin Sauce? No Problem. At first glance the Alfredo can look more like soup and not sauce. Have no fear, the gluten free pasta will absorb the liquid. If needed, give it 5-8 minutes to thicken up.
Ultimate Cheesy Sauce! Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. However, if you do need to use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese, it will still work. No judgment here.
Special Diet Variations
Gluten Free - This recipe is already made with gluten free penne, but the timing trick works for any gluten free pasta shape, including the option to make Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo. Just remember: package cooking time ÷ 2 - 2 minutes.
Dairy Free - Swap the milk and cream for full-fat canned coconut milk, and use a dairy free Parmesan-style cheese. The coconut flavor mellows once it cooks, leaving you with a creamy sauce that still tastes like Alfredo.
Low FODMAP - Use gluten free pasta, lactose-free milk, and check that your Parmesan and cream are within Monash serving sizes:
- Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup (40 g) safe per meal.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup (125 g) is low FODMAP if the fat content is 36% or higher.
- Gluten Free Pasta: 1 cup cooked (145 g) is a low FODMAP serve.
- Use low FODMAP Garlic salt.
Vegetarian - Switch to vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
Storing and Reheating
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often so it stays creamy.
Freeze: Not recommended. The creamy Alfredo sauce can separate, and gluten free noodles are not great after freezing. It is easier to make a fresh batch instead.
Meal Prep: Portion leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches!
FAQs
Yes! The trick is adjusting the cook time. Use the pasta package directions, divide the time in half, then subtract 2 minutes. This keeps gluten free pasta tender without turning mushy.
Yes, but they cook a little differently. Break the noodles in half so they fit in the pot, then layer them in a crisscross pattern (not in a clump) to prevent sticking. Use the same timing formula: package time ÷ 2 - 2 minutes.
It's a budget-friendly trick! Using chicken broth and milk keeps costs down compared to heavy cream. As the noodles cook in the Instant Pot, they release starch that helps thicken the sauce into a creamy Alfredo without needing loads of pricey cream.
Yes, swap the milk and cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use a dairy free Parmesan substitute. The garlic flavor masks the coconut flavor.
Whisk the broth, milk, and flour before pressure cooking so the flour dissolves smoothly. Stir in the Parmesan after cooking so it melts evenly into the sauce.
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken (or broccoli) after pressure cooking for extra protein and flavor.
Yes, but it's best fresh. If making ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of milk or broth, stirring often until it's creamy again.
What To Serve With Alfredo
Creamy pasta is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides makes the whole meal feel balanced. Here are a few ideas we will love:
Oven Roasted Vegetables - A colorful side dish alongside the creamy Alfredo. Balance out the cheese with a bit of veggies. Your future self will say thank you!
Simple Side Salad - A crisp green salad with low FODMAP Italian dressing keeps things fresh. Or my favorite, a Caesar salad with homemade Caesar dressing!
Add-Ins - Stir in cooked chicken. Adding leftover grilled chicken is one of our favorite ways to use it up. Steamed broccoli is also a great option!
More Loveable Alfredo Recipes
If your house is anything like mine, Alfredo night is always a good night. Here are two more creamy recipes to keep in your back pocket:
- Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce - A high-protein twist on Alfredo made with cottage cheese for a lighter but still cheesy and satisfying sauce.
- Low FODMAP Alfredo Sauce - A completely gluten free and dairy free Alfredo sauce that's gentle on digestion but still full of flavor.
Love This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating + comment. It helps so much, and we love hearing from everyone! Thank You -Venessa
Recipe
Instant Pot Alfredo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth (Note 1)
- 2 cups milk (Note 2)
- 2 tablespoons gluten free flour (Note 3)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt (Note 4)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups gluten free penne noodles (Note 5)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Spray the liner of a 6-quart Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Add the chicken broth, milk, and gluten free flour. Whisk until the flour is fully dissolved.
- Stir in the heavy cream, garlic salt, kosher salt, black pepper, and penne noodles.
- Secure the lid (check that the sealing ring is in place) and set the valve to "Seal."
- Calculate the cook time: take the time on your pasta package, cut it in half, and subtract 2 minutes (for example, 12 minutes ÷ 2 = 6, then 6 - 2 = 4 minutes). Cook on high pressure for that amount of time.
- When the cook time is done, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Carefully vent any remaining steam. If liquid spurts out, close the valve and wait 2 more minutes before trying again.
- Remove the lid and stir the pasta well.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy. If the sauce looks thin, let the pasta rest for 5-8 minutes so it can absorb the sauce.
- Taste and tweak the seasoning until it's perfect for your crew. Serve warm, with chicken or broccoli if you like.
Venessa Mandelkow says
My teenage daughter makes this weekly and brings the leftovers for lunch the next day. She already has the recipe memorized.