Chicken Cheesesteak Pasta

That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening. You remember waiting, hearing that steady sound, and feeling like dinner's finally on its way. It9s just you and that sealing ring doing their thing, building pressure, locking in all those flavors. You get kinda excited, knowing it's all gonna come together quicker than regular stove-top cooking.

You spot the steam peek from the valve, ready for the quick release when time9s up. It9s satisfying to let that pressure go fast, releasing heat and steam and getting dinner ready way quicker than you thought. Sometimes you gotta be patient and do natural release for a richer texture, but quick release sure saves you some minutes.

That hiss is like a promise the recipe9s gonna be tasty and tender. You feel proud of using the pressure cooker, making a dish that usually takes long, done fast and full of all that Philly cheesesteak vibe. Chicken, pasta, veggies, and cheese meld together nice and cozy in that pot.

What Makes Pressure Cooking Win Every Round

• Cook meals way faster than traditional methods.
• Locks flavor in tight, making everything super tasty.
• Saves energy 'cause it cooks quick and hot with steam.
• Keeps meat super tender, like it slow-cooked for hours.
• One pot cooking means less cleanup and less fuss.
• Great for soups, stews, pasta, and even desserts.
• You can do quick release or natural release depending on your timing.

To see this technique in action, check out related recipes like Stuffed Pepper Soup and Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for more pressure cooker inspiration.

What Goes Into the Pot Today

• 12 oz dry penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small jalapef1o, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper, adjusted to taste
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or from the green can
• 7 slices provolone cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional but nice)

Got a lot of ingredients here, but no worries. They all blend real good, giving you that Philly cheesesteak vibe with pasta comfort. The chicken gets tender, veggies add crunch, and cheeses melt dreamy. You9re definitely set for a win in your pressure cooker.

How It All Comes Together Step by Step

Step 1, cook your penne pasta like the package says. Drain it good and set it aside so it won9t get mushy later.

Step 2, heat that olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and cook 'til they9re nicely browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Take 9em out and set aside.

Step 3, in the same skillet, melt the butter. Throw in your sliced onions, bell pepper, and jalapef1o. Saute9 these until they get tender, usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. You9ll start smelling those layers of flavor coming together.

Step 4, bring that chicken back in. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir around and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors marry well.

Step 5, now mix in your cooked pasta and toss everything until it9s all well combined and heated through. The pasta9s soaking in all those tasty juices.

Step 6, pour in the heavy whipping cream and Worcestershire sauce then sprinkle Parmesan cheese over. Lay the provolone slices on top. Cover with your pressure cooker lid making sure the sealing ring is in place. Set it for high pressure, cook for just a couple minutes and then do a quick release.

When you lift the lid, everything should be creamy, cheesy, and that chicken tender as can be. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you want a little green freshness and serve it hot.

Smart Shortcuts for Busy Days

• You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken. Just add it last so it warms through without drying out.
• Frozen pre-cut veggies work fine if you9re short on time. Toss them in with the onions and skip fresh chopping.
• Grab pre-shredded Parmesan or pre-sliced provolone so you skip the grating step.
• Cook pasta in the microwave quickly if you don9t wanna use the stove for that step.

These tricks help ya pull dinner together faster with less stress. You still get that Philly cheesesteak flavor without hunting for every single ingredient or spending a ton of time chopping.

When You Finally Get to Eat

That first bite hits you with creamy cheesy goodness swirling around tender chicken and crisp veggies. The penne9s perfectly coated with the sauce making it all rich and comforting. You feel that little kick from the jalapef1o somewhere in the back, warming your senses.

As you eat more, the layered flavors from garlic powder and steak seasoning come through, reminding you of that Philly cheesesteak sandwich you love but in a fresh twist with pasta. It9s filling and just the right kind of indulgence.

You remember the quick release from the pot, and how that helped keep things tender and fresh instead of overcooked. It9s dang satisfying to sit down with a meal that took minutes but tastes like you spent hours on it.

Your Leftover Strategy Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts 3-4 days easy and reheats real well.
• If you wanna freeze, put the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on stove with a splash of water or cream so it doesn9t dry out.
• If leftovers get too thick, add a little milk or broth while reheating to loosen up that creamy sauce.

This way you get to enjoy your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Pasta again without losing any flavor or texture. Just pop it in and you9re set for another quick satisfying meal.

What People Always Ask Me

• Can I use different pasta shapes?
  You definitely can. Penne works great but twists, shells, or rigatoni also hold that sauce nicely. See similar pasta ideas in our Cowboy Casserole recipe.
• What if I don9t like spicy?
  Skip the jalapef1o or remove seeds to tone down the heat. You can add a pinch of paprika instead for mild smoky flavor.
• Can I swap chicken for beef?
  Sure thing. Thinly sliced steak can give you a more traditional Philly vibe but cook it fast so it stays tender.
• Do I have to use heavy cream?
  You can try half and half for a lighter sauce but heavy cream gives it that rich, creamy texture that just feels right here.
• How do I know when to do quick release vs natural release?
  Quick release is best when you want to keep pasta tender and sauce fresh, usually for dishes like this one. Natural release takes longer and is good for large roasts and stews.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
  You can swap chicken for mushrooms and use veggie broth instead of Worcestershire to keep it plant-based. It won9t be Philly but still tasty and creamy.